Teachers' Knowledge, Skills and Practices of teaching Eco-Tourism in 'O' level geography in Selected Secondary Schools in Kampala

Abstract

The topic of the study was teachers‟ knowledge, skills and practices of teaching eco-tourism in „O‟ Level Geography in selected secondary schools in Kampala. The purpose of this study was to examine teachers‟ knowledge, skills and suitable practices of teaching topics that cover eco-tourism in a Geography classroom. This was to examine whether topics that cover eco-tourism are adequately taught so that teachers and learners acquire adequate knowledge through vocationalisation of geography by teaching eco-tourism which will equip learners with life time skills of job creation after school. Specific objectives of the study were to examine the common methods used to teach topics that cover eco-tourism, to assess materials used to teach topics that cover eco-tourism and to examine how the teaching methods and materials enhance learning outcomes. A Case study design was used in the study and the study was of a qualitative approach. A total of 44 participants were selected to participate in the study. These included teachers, heads of departments, director of studies and students. Data was collected using semi-structured interview guide and an observation checklist. Data was analyzed by coding and establishing common themes in the data. Data which was collected was descriptive in nature. Results indicated that there were significant common methods namely; discussion, debate, fieldwork, research, desmonstration, guided discovery and materials namely; textbooks, wall maps, wall charts, computers, photographs that are used to teach topics that cover eco-tourism in „O‟ Level Geography. Also, the findings indicated that teaching methods and materials enhance learning outcomes. The researcher concluded that vocationalisation of Geography is possible, if active methods of teaching are applied in the teaching of topics that cover eco-tourism, with the changing trends in technology advancement, schools still have a long way to go in digitalizing teaching materials, certain teaching methods and materials enhance learning outcomes. This will enable learners and teachers to acquire adequate knowledge on the local environment through vocationalisation of geography. The researcher recommended that teachers in secondary schools in Kampala should continue applying the common methods of teaching, teachers should continue using locally made Geography teaching materials.