Availability of Local Resources and Utilization in the Teaching of Biology in Secondary Schools

Availability of Local Resources and Utilization in the Teaching of Biology in Secondary Schools

ABSTRACT

The study assesses the availability and utilization of Local resources as it affects the teaching and learning of Biology in Uruan Local Government Area. Two research hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Simple random sampling technique (hat and draw method) was used to select four (4) secondary schools from the area for the study.

A survey research design was adopted for study. One hundred and twenty (120) senior secondary school two (SS2) Biology students from the four selected secondary schools constituted the sample size. They were selected using stratified random sampling technique.

Two research instruments (questionnaire and Biology Achievement Test. BAT) were used for data collection. The instruments were validated by the researcher’s supervisor before administration. Data collected were analyzed using independent t-test statistical technique.

The findings indicate that Biology students taught using local resources performed better than those taught without the use of Local resources and that male students taught with Local resources perform better than their female counterparts taught with Local resources. Recommendations were made for the utilization of the available Local resources for effective teaching and learning of Biology in secondary schools.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 

1.1     Background to the Study

1.2     Statement of the Problem

1.3     Purpose of the Study

1.4     Significance of the Study

1.5     Research Question

1.6     Research Hypotheses

1.7     Scope of the Study

1.8     Limitation of the Study

1.9     Definition of Terms

CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1     Concept of Local Resources

2.2     Examples of Local Resources

2.3     Basic Consideration in the selection of Local Resources

2.4     Guideline and Requirements for the use of Local Resources

2.5     Importance and Uses of Local Resources

2.6     Problems Associated with the Use of Local Resources

2.7     Utilization of Local Resources for Effective Teaching and Academic Performance of Students

2.8     Summary of Literature Review

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODS

.1     Research Design

3.2     Area of the Study

3.3     Population of the Study

3.4     Sample and Sampling Technique

3.5     Instrument for Data Collection

3.6     Validation of Instrument

3.7     Administration of the Instrument

3.8     Scoring of the Test Instrument

3.9     Method of Data Analysis

CHAPTER FOUR: ANALYSIS OF DATA AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

4.1     Presentation of Results

4.2     Discussion of Finding

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS

 5.1     Summary

5.2     Conclusion

5.3     Recommendation

References

Appendices

Availability of Local Resources and Utilization in the Teaching of Biology in Secondary Schools

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1    Background to the study

 It is widely accepted that education is one of the leading instruments for promoting economic development as it encompasses some processes individuals go through to help them develop and utilize their potentials. Okeke (2007) posit out that, through education, individuals acquire knowledge, skills and attitude that are necessary for effective living.

This is the reason in all modern nations, investment in education of the youth is considered most vital. According to Onsomu (2006), secondary education is an important sub-sector of education in the preparation of human capital for development and provision of life opportunities as it provides a vital link between basic education and the world of work on one hand, and further training on the other hand. Furthermore, manifestations of quality education have to do with literary cognitive abilities, performance and progression to higher levels of learning.

However, quality education cannot be achieved without local resources which play an important role in the achievement of educational goals and objectives.  Local resources according to Usman (2007) are central to the educational progress because they play an important role in the achievement of educational goals and objective since they facilitate teachers work and accelerate learning on the parts of the students.

Haluack (1990) emphasized that the availability of relevant local resources contributes to academic achievement of students. According to Kembui (1995) in a study of relationship between educational resources and students academic performance in Kenya noted a very strong positive relationship between local resources and academic performance of students.

According to him, schools with more resources performed better than schools that are less endowed. This collaborated the findings of a study by Babayomi (1999) that private schools because of availability and adequacy of teaching and learning resources performed better than public schools. According to Patel (1986), shortage of local resources hindered effective utilization.

This is supported by Njoroge (2000) in a study on factors affecting availability, acquisition and utilization of local resources in the teaching of Biology in selected secondary schools in Kenya found that unavailability of local resources hinders effective utilization.

Availability of Local Resources and Utilization in the Teaching of Biology in Secondary Schools

However, Kitheka (2005) noted that schools with abundant resources may not always utilize them efficiently and consequently fail to raise student’s level of performance. On the other hand, schools with limited resources may utilize what they have efficiently and this may boost learning thus students should be able to maximize and utilize available resources so as to adequately achieve educational objectives.

Ngala (1997) noted that utilization of available local resources is more important than the quantity. This is supported by Cohen (2003) who points out that it is not making the resources available to schools that matters, but getting those local resources utilized by teachers and students to get academic content learned.

1.2   Statement of Problem

Since education system is dominated by examination oriented teaching whereby passing examination is the only bench mark for performance as there is no internal system of monitoring learning achievements within an educational cycle, performance in WAEC examination in Uruan L.G.A. has remained poor with majority of students scoring D7 in Biology and mathematic which are core subjects.

This is a poor grade as it bars students form entry in to science-based degree and diploma courses. Even though many students done to determine factors influencing poor performance of  students in WAEC examinations have indicated inadequate teaching learning resources, teaching style and others as the factors influencing the performance of students. This study was set to assess the Availability of Local Resources and utilization in the Teaching of Biology in secondary schools in Uruan Local Government Area.

1.3   Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this study was to assess availability of Local resources and utilization in the teaching of Biology in secondary schools in Uruan Local Government Area.

Specifically the study sought to:

1. Assess the utilization of Local resources in the teaching of Biology and students academic performance in Uruan Local Government Area.
2. Assess the difference between male and female students taught Biology using Local resources in Uruan L.G.A.

1.4 Significance of the Study

This research aimed at producing results and adding values to teachers, students and the society at large.

1. On the part of the teachers, they will be in a better position to justify the time, effort and even money they invest in utilizing the available Local resources for Biology teaching. The finding will also guide teacher’s subsequent steps or strategies towards enhancing better Biology teaching with regards to the available Local resources.
2. On the part of the students, they will be in a better position to access the usefulness of their involvement in the utilization of Local resources for Biology lessons. This will go a long way in making them become more interesting in the activities of the available Local resources and also be able to handle and preserve the Local resources better.
3. In addition, these findings will enable students to appreciate the usefulness of their environment as it concerns their performance in Biology examination and total living.
4. For the society at large, the findings of this study will enlighten the society on the value of environment. This will enhance better preservation and protection of the environment from which science teaching materials are derived.
5. In general, the finding of this study will guide policy makers, educators, curriculum planners and all concerned with Biology education review to re-affirm or with draw their individual view or collective views about the utilization of Local resources for Biology teaching.

Availability of Local Resources and Utilization in the Teaching of Biology in Secondary Schools

1.5    Research Questions

1. Dose the use of Local resources in the teaching of Biology improves students’ academic performance in Uruan L.G.A?
2. Is there any significant difference between male and female students taught Biology using Local Resources in Uruan L.G.A.?

1.6    Research Hypotheses

1. There is no significant difference in academic performance of Biology students taught using Local Resources and those taught without Local Resources in Uruan L.G.A
2. There is no significant difference in academic performance between male and female students taught Biology using Local Resources in Uruan L.G.A.

1.7    Scope of the Study

This study concentrated on availability of Local resources and utilization in the teaching of Biology in senior secondary schools from four selected secondary schools in Uruan L.G.A. of Akwa Ibom State.

1.8    Limitation of the Study

The limitation faced by the researcher in the course of carrying out this study was financial constraint

1.9    Definition of Terms

1. Availability: Availability is defined as the extent to which the resources are present for use.
2. Local Resources: Local resources are varieties of materials in any format found within the teacher and learner environment which can be used to facilitate teaching and learning process. Capable to influence the students learning and also promote higher expectation, greater self-esteem, enhance academic achievement and increase potential for success in schools and beyond.

iii.      Utilization: utilization is defined as the extent to which a thing is put to use.

1. Teaching: Teaching involves the acquisition n of knowledge through the active participation of the learner when he is guided, thus bringing about change in the life of the learner.
2. Biology: Biology is the study of living organisms; it is divided into many specialized fields that covers the morphology, physiology, anatomy, behaviour, origin and distribution.
3. Secondary School: secondary school is a school which provides secondary education, between the ages of 11 and 16 or 11 and 18, after primary school and before higher education.

Availability of Local Resources and Utilization in the Teaching of Biology in Secondary Schools

Availability of Local Resources and Utilization in the Teaching of Biology in Secondary Schools

Availability of Local Resources and Utilization in the Teaching of Biology in Secondary Schools

Availability of Local Resources and Utilization in the Teaching of Biology in Secondary Schools

Availability of Local Resources and Utilization in the Teaching of Biology in Secondary Schools

Availability of Local Resources and Utilization in the Teaching of Biology in Secondary Schools

Availability of Local Resources and Utilization in the Teaching of Biology in Secondary Schools

Availability of Local Resources and Utilization in the Teaching of Biology in Secondary Schools

Availability of Local Resources and Utilization in the Teaching of Biology in Secondary Schools

Availability of Local Resources and Utilization in the Teaching of Biology in Secondary Schools

Availability of Local Resources and Utilization in the Teaching of Biology in Secondary Schools

Availability of Local Resources and Utilization in the Teaching of Biology in Secondary Schools