Learning Style and Students Academic Performance in Biology in secondary schools

Learning Style and Students Academic Performance in Biology in secondary schools

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine learning style and student’s academic performance in biology in Ukanafun local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. Two hypotheses were formulated and all focused on learning style with respect to student’s academic performance in biology.it was believed that this study could be useful to teachers, government, guidance   counselors, even the students.

A detail literature review was obtained from published and unpublished materials, journal and newspaper etc. its review was aimed at developing appreciation on the previous study done in this area. population of the study comprising  of all senior secondary school students in Ukanaful local Government with a total of about 3,276 student.

From the target population 250 were randomly selected from 5 public school seeking their opinions on the topic. Independent t-test was used as a method of data analysis the result revealed that there is a significant difference between learning style and student’s   academic performance in biology. Finally, conclusion and recommendation were documented.

Learning Style and Students Academic Performance in Biology in secondary schools

 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

It is know that learning process vary from person due to the presence of biological and psychological differences. As pask (2008) point out more than three fifths of a person’s learning styles is biologically imposed. Moreover, all learners have individual attributes relating to their learning process. Also holds that most teachers teach the things have already learned.

These might caused the frustration of a good ember of learner as the witness that their learning performances are not accounted for by many teachers.

The case is more serious in a context where students come from delivers educational experiences and with different cultural backgrounds. Compared to the extensive work one vital area often neglected is the exploration of learning style in the classroom. According to Keefe (2004), learning problems are frequently not related to the level of the cognitive process required to learn the material

Additionally, Dunn (2008) found dramatic improvement in students’ achievement in cases where learning styles have been taken into account show that the content covered in a course of study. Learning style are among the concept that are postulated by researchers to show learners difference and varied needs.

Learning style is the way a person processes, internalizes and studies new and challenging materials. Students’ performances may be related to learning preferences or styles are aware that difficulty in learning may not rest solely in the materials itself.

Meanwhile, Domion (2010) found out that biology students taught in their preferred learning styles scored higher on tests, fact knowledge, attitude efficiency than those taught in instructional styles different from their styles. This much of teaching styles and learning styles could give negative impact to students.

Learning Style and Students Academic Performance in Biology in secondary schools

1.2 Statement of the Problems

All stakeholders in Nigeria education system (parents, guardians, teachers, counselor etc) are so much concerned about students achievements maintenances of academic standard. The recurrent poor performance of secondary school students (WASSE) and National Examination Council (NECO) in Nigeria is disturbing and embarrassing.

Analysis of percentage performance of candidates in twenty popular subjects in West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination for 2011, 2012, and 2013 revealed 55.19%, 59.10% and 60.99% percentage failure respectively in Biology. Ibe blamed poor performance of Biology students in external examination on Biology teachers’ insensitivity to the nature of Biology when planning instructional activities in the classroom.

According to her, Biology is not one of the subjects that can master by mere memorization of the basic rules. It requires total determination, sound theoretical knowledge and intensive practice in application.

One begins to wonder if others factors could be responsible for the large number of failures in Biology other than ones already identified. It is against that research sought to examine learning style and academic performance of students in Biology in secondary schools.

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of this study is stated as follows;

1. To examine whether visual learning style influence students ‘academic performance in Biology in Ukanafun Local Government Area.
2. To ascertain whether auditory learning style style influence students’ academic performance in Biology in Ukanafun.
3. To investigate how kinesthetic learning style influence students’ academic performance in Ukanfun Local Government Area.

1.4 Significant of the Study

1. This work will serve as a guide to school administrators and teacher when planning and preparing their lessons as to incorporate activities related to each of the learning styles.
2. This study will expose teachers to various learning styles which will expose teachers to various learning styles which facilitate the adoption of suitable techniques and methods to match with the students’ inclination.
3. The study will help students who are at-risk of poor academic achievement especially the low ability learners will identified and group counseling approaches should be utilized to help them improve their learning styles.

1.5 Research Hypotheses

To guide this study the following hypotheses were formulated:

1. There is no significant difference between visual learning styles and students’ academic performance in Biology.
2. There is no significant difference between auditory learning style and students’ academic performance in Biology.

1.6 Limitation of the Study

This study was limited by the following factors;

1. The time giving for the completion of this study is not making a research like this to have widerscope.
2. Financial constraint exerted pressure on the study as the researcher scarcely had enough financial to enable him expand the scope of the study.

Learning Style and Students Academic Performance in Biology in secondary schools

1.7 Definition of Terms

Academic Performance: This is a level of skills attained by students in a giving subject usually designed by a test score or grade obtained by students during the process of assessment.

Learning style: This refers to an individual’s natural or habitual pattern of learning or acquiring knowledge.

Auditory Learning Style: This is a learning style in which ideas, concepts, data and other information can see and touched through images, chart or graphics.

Kinesthetic Learning Style: This refers to learning style in which learning takes place by the students carrying out a physical activity rather than listening to a lecturer or watching a demonstration.

Learning Style and Students Academic Performance in Biology in secondary schools

Learning Style and Students Academic Performance in Biology in secondary schools

Learning Style and Students Academic Performance in Biology in secondary schools

Learning Style and Students Academic Performance in Biology in secondary schools

Learning Style and Students Academic Performance in Biology in secondary schools

Learning Style and Students Academic Performance in Biology in secondary schools

Learning Style and Students Academic Performance in Biology in secondary schools

Learning Style and Students Academic Performance in Biology in secondary schools