Influence of traditional and religious beliefs on students’ learning of science: A case of tamale college of education

Abstract

Ghana, like any other developing country, needs to give particular attention to the study of Science in the various educational institutions, and provide the necessary conditions which promote effective teaching and learning of the subject. However, there seems to be a conflict between science and the belief systems of students in the learning of science. The purpose of the study was to find out the influence of traditional and religious beliefs on the learning of science by students in Tamale College of Education. The sample size of the study was 70 and comprised of first and second year students of the college. A questionnaire was used to collect data which was analysed and presented in tables with brief explanations. The findings showed that traditional and religious beliefs have an impact on the learning of science by students involved in the study. For instance, the belief that pregnant women who eat eggs or snails will give birth to thieves had both negative and positive impact on the students’ learning of science at the College .Among others, it was recommended that public fora should occasionally be organized to educate people on the effects of certain cultural beliefs.