IMPACT OF MENTORING AS A PANACEA TO THE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF BASIC SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN PANKSHIN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

Abstract

This study was carried out to examine the Impact of Mentoring on the Teaching and Learning of Basic Science and Technology in the 21st Century in the Pankshin Education Area Directorate, Plateau State. Using a survey design, data were collected from 60 randomly selected teachers through a structured questionnaire. The data were analysed using mean scores, and the hypothesis was tested using the chi-square test at the 0.05 level of significance. The study found that no formal mentoring program exists, as experienced teachers are not assigned to mentor less experienced ones. Most teachers reported they had never been mentored. The findings revealed that mentoring significantly improves teaching and learning outcomes. However, challenges such as insufficient time, lack of formal mentoring programs, inadequate facilities, unrealistic expectations, and low awareness of mentoring benefits were identified. The study recommended that the Nigerian government, through the NERDC, develop policies to make mentoring mandatory in all secondary schools, provide training for experienced teachers in mentoring, and run awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of mentoring for educational improvement.