CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Teaching is one of the old professions that has ever been. As such, teaching Economics is a profession that calls for standard to produce bits of knowledge that is needed in the running of the society. However, in Nigeria a vast array of problems have continued to pervade and erode the teaching profession which has in turn mar up the effectiveness of Economics teaching in secondary schools. This bulk of problems range from unqualified teachers, wrong teaching methods non-availability of instructional materials, school environment, and to a large extent, teachers attitude which affect their interest and motivation toward the teaching of the subject (Okoro, 2002). The author admitted that lack of good political will has continued to agitate against the teaching of Economics and the teaching profession as a whole. This problem has showcased itself in several ways among which are the encroachments of mediocre into the profession thereby undermining teachers roles as a key player in the educational setting. Prior to this fact, teachers actually learned themselves to making sure that their student / pupils become good citizens and as stalwart to the profession.
Obioha (2008) maintained that it is disheartening to notice that many teachers do not have the requisite qualification on the subject that they teach. The effect is that such individuals lack the skills, techniques, methods and competencies as well as ability to choose appropriate instructional materials to suit the topic in question. These tend to cripple the effectiveness of the subject in the learners. According to him, it is easy to identify poor teaching methods and lack of instructional material as a common setback towards effective teaching in schools. Many teachers frail to draw their teaching greatly from the child’s environment. Teaching methods have continued to change and new methodologies suggested and accepted prior to the available information at their disposal. The aspect of its effectiveness is proposed by the National policy on Education (2004) the famous educational system and the advancement in modern society.
Moreover, it is sad to note that in spite of complaint that have been raised by researchers for years, much concern have not been expressed by the government on how to improve on the deplorable condition and to encourage the teaching of the subject as compared to the attention accorded to pure science teaching in our secondary schools. Going by this assertion, it therefore becomes imperative for the problem of teaching Economics to be given proper attention since the knowledge of science can only be combined with Economic to achieve our millennium development goals in the years to come.
However, the present research will examine the aforementioned problems of teaching Economics as it affects students’ academic achievement in secondary schools.
1.2 Statement of the Problems
       For sometimes now, the teaching and learning of Economics in senior secondary schools have increasingly become more challenging as a result of inadequate teaching and learning facilities with its resultant effect on students’ academic achievement t. hence, many educators and stakeholders in the education sector have been viewing with serious concern about the quality of teaching Economics in our schools. A number of factors have been enumerated by researchers in the past to have accounted for the poor quality of instruction in the subject. Measures to remedy this unpleasant situation have longed been proffered by scholars and researchers, yet the poor quality of teaching in the subject has become recurring feature with its attendant effect in both internal and external examinations.
However, it is on the expectation that factors such as teachers’ qualification, teaching method and teachers’ attitude can affect the teaching of Economics which will eventually lead to poor academic achievement of students in the subject. It is against this background that the researcher is motivated to examine the problems of teaching Economics in senior secondary schools in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area with a view to making recommendations that will ensure effective teaching of the subject in the area.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of the study was to examine the problems of teaching Economics in senior secondary schools in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area. Specifically the study will:
- Examine teachers’ qualification as it affects the teaching of Economics in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area.
- Investigate into the teaching methods and how the influence the teaching of Economics in Etim Ekpo local Government Area.
- Ascertain if teachers’ attitude affects the teaching of economics in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area.
