A Study of the Impact of Instructional Materials in Teaching and Learning Biology in Senior Secondary Schools
(a Case Study of Enugu North Local Government Area)
CHAPTER ONE
Objective of the study
The main objective of the study is the impact of instructional materials in teaching and learning biology in senior secondary schools in Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu state. However, for the successful completion of the study, the following sub objectives were put forward by the researcher:
(i) To examine the effect of students improvised instructional materials and conventional materials on students scores in biology.
(ii) To identify the influence of gender on scores in biology when taught using students improvised instructional materials.
(iii) To explore the influence of school location on students scores in biology when taught using students improvised instructional materials.
(iv) To investigate the interactive effects of material and gender on students scores in biology.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Introduction
It is a well-known issue today that science influences man in all aspects of life including feeding, clothing, shelter, health care, communication, transportation, space exploration as well as leisure. Ayodele, (2000) and Elechi, (2010) inferred that the most obvious effect of science has been it’s medical and technological applications with the accompanying effects on health care, lifestyles and social structures. Science also influences culture in many modern societies by playing a major role in shaping cultural world views, concepts and thinking patterns (Abimbola, 1998). It is important to note that science is useful in the world today. Almost all aspects of man’s life are influenced by science either directly or indirectly (Eze, 2003). Man needs to be scientifically literate to exist comfortably in his environment. This informs the need for inclusion of scientific literacy in the goals of education in Nigeria (FME, 2008). The relevance of science in development of the nation cannot be over emphasized. Scholars (Ajayi, 2008) agreed that the growth of any nation to the standard of the 21st century technology should be anchored on the scientific based knowledge of her subjects. The growth of any nation is a measure of it’s advancement in science. Science is a major subject taught in schools all over Nigeria and any nation that hopes to develop must not neglect the teaching of science in it’s schools (Fakorede, 1999). One of such science subjects is biology.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Introduction
This chapter deals with the method used in collecting data required in carrying out this research work it explains the procedures that were followed and the instrument used in collecting data.
Sources of data collection
Data were collected from two main sources namely
-Primary source and secondary source
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
Introduction
Efforts will be made at this stage to present, analyze and interpret the data collected during the field survey. This presentation will be based on the responses from the completed questionnaires. The result of this exercise will be summarized in tabular forms for easy references and analysis. It will also show answers to questions relating to the research question of this study. The researcher employed simple percentage in the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to find out the importance of biological science laboratory apparatus in the teaching of biology in senior secondary schools.
In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing impact party merger and consolidation of democracy in Nigeria.
Summary
It has become clear that in our secondary schools, the teaching of biology and even other sciences is so much affected by lack of material and human resources in both public and private schools making the quality of some of our secondary school products questionable. If any difference does exist between the public and private schools might be largely due to the high level of monitoring that prevail in private schools. Sound knowledge in science (biology) aided by both material and human resources for its youth will address most of the problems and set the stage on for rapid scientific development.
Conclusion
From the study on the importance of biological science laboratory apparatus in the teaching of biology in senior secondary schools in Ogun state, it was found that students taught biology using improvised instructional materials performed better than students taught using conventional material; The results suggest that the use of laboratory apparatus in teaching biology in secondary schools aids the students’ achievement in biology. It has become clear that in our secondary schools, the teaching of biology and even other sciences is so much affected by lack of material and human resources in both public and private schools making the quality of some of our secondary school products questionable. If any difference does exist between the public and private schools might be largely due to the high level of monitoring that prevail in private schools
Recommendations
Haven completed the study; the researcher recommended that the government should as a matter of urgency equip all the schools with standard science laboratories and other material resources. There should also be training and retaining of biology teachers to enable them cope with the challenges of teaching science effectively in this 21st century as part of the millennium development goals strategies (MDGS) and science for all Nigerians. Furthermore, there should be improved welfare packages as a motivating factor for science teachers in the State. Finally, State Ministry of Education officials should carryout regular inspections to assess facilities in the schools as well as encourage the spirit of improvisation as a viable alternative in material/equipment provision in schools.
Reference
- Abimbola, I. O. (1998). Teachers’ perception of important and difficult contents. Journal of Functional Education. 1( 1) 10 – 12.
- Abolade, E. E. (2004). Assessing improvised equipment in physics laboratory and its implications for utilization and management of teaching and learning resources.
- Achor, E. E., Tanngahar, B.A. & Musa, S.A. (2011). Relative efficacy of
- improvised and manufactured analogue voltmeters in the teaching of voltage measurements in secondary school physics. African Journal of Science, Technology and Mathematics Education. Retrieved October 5, 2009 from http://www.americanjournalofpsychologicalresearch.com
- Adeyemi, A. and Olaleye, A. (2010). Effect of Students’ Involvement in the
- Production of Instructional Materials on their Academic Performance in Biology. Retrieved October 20, 2010 from http://www.ladb.org/3ds/doc/educationandtechnology2
