CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Education is a powerful tool for positive change and societal development, recognized globally. In Nigeria, education is viewed as a crucial instrument for national development, and it has been given special attention in the National Policy on Education (NPE) (2005). Farrant (1981) defines education as the total process of human learning, encompassing the impartation of knowledge, facilitation of skills development, and training. It liberates individuals from illusions and helps them connect with their environment.
The National Policy on Education in Nigeria reflects the realization of the need for a more meaningful and relevant education for development and self-reliance. Innovative curricula materials, such as the biology curriculum for senior secondary schools, have been developed to align with these goals. Science, as described by Hornby (2002), is the knowledge about the structure and behavior of the natural and physical world based on verifiable facts.
Biology, as a science subject offered at the secondary school level in Nigeria, contributes significantly to scientific literacy. It enables individuals to understand the world, make informed choices about healthcare, the environment, and society, and fosters critical thinking about values in a rapidly changing world (Karan, 2008). Despite its importance, students' performance in Biology has been consistently poor (Ige, 2001), particularly in both the Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC 2004-2008) and Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB 2004-2008).
The objectives of teaching science, including biology, include acquiring knowledge of the academic discipline, developing skills in the scientific method, promoting science literacy, and fostering personal and career awareness (Ajaja, 2007). Biology, derived from the Greek words "bios" and "logos," meaning life and study, respectively, is the study of living things, including plants and animals (Victoria, 2015). It plays a central role in intellectual disciplines, particularly in biotechnology.
However, the abstraction and complexity of certain biology topics that are not physically observable contribute to the challenges students face in the subject (Locke and McDonald, 2005; Ruryong, 2004). To enhance successful teaching and learning processes, it is crucial for teachers to select appropriate instructional strategies and materials (Kichin, 2008). Instructional materials, such as realia (objects from real life) and instructional charts, play a vital role in making teaching and learning interesting and effective (Abdullahi, 2010).
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Despite the importance of Biology in the science curriculum, students' performance in the subject has been consistently poor, and various factors contribute to this challenge. These factors include inadequate resources for teaching and learning biology, unfavorable learning environments, the abstraction of certain topics, and traditional teaching methods that do not stimulate students' interest.
The use of instructional materials, such as realia and charts, is identified as a potential solution to enhance the teaching of biology, particularly complex topics like fruits. However, the problem persists in many secondary schools where some instructors continue to rely on traditional teaching methods without incorporating appropriate instructional materials that can stimulate students' desire to learn.
This study aims to examine the rationale for teaching fruits in secondary schools using realia and charts and its impact on academic achievement in Biology in Eket, Nigeria. It seeks to address the challenges faced in the teaching of Biology and explore the effectiveness of using real-life objects and instructional charts to improve students' understanding and performance in the subject.
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1.3 Objectives of the Study
Specific objectives of the study are:
- To investigate the effect of teaching fruits in senior secondary schools using realia and charts on students' academic achievement in biology in Eket local government area.
- To identify the specific aspects of using realia and charts that are most beneficial for students' learning of fruits in biology.
- To develop recommendations for teachers on how to use realia and charts more effectively to teach fruits in biology.
1.4 Research Questions
To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:
- Do students who are taught fruits in senior secondary schools using realia and charts perform better on biology exams than students who are taught without using realia and charts?
- Which specific aspects of using realia and charts are most beneficial for students' learning of fruits in biology?
- What are some specific strategies that teachers can use to use realia and charts more effectively to teach fruits in biology?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:
- Ho: There is no statistical significant relationship between classroom management and senior secondary students’ academic performance.
- Hi: There is a statistical significant relationship between classroom management and senior secondary students’ academic performance.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The study is important for many reasons. The following are the major stakeholders this paper through its practical and theoretical implications and findings will be of great significance:
Firstly, the paper will benefit major stakeholders and policy makers in the education sector. The various analysis, findings and discussions outlined in this paper will serve as a guide in enabling major positive changes in the industry and sub-sectors.
Secondly, the paper is also beneficial to the organizations used for the research. Since first hand data was gotten and analysed from the organization, they stand a chance to benefit directly from the findings of the study in respect to their various organizations. These findings will fast track growth and enable productivity in the organisations used as a case study.
Finally, the paper will serve as a guide to other researchers willing to research further into the subject matter. Through the conclusions, limitations and gaps identified in the subject matter, other student and independent researchers can have a well laid foundation to conduct further studies.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study is delimited to sampled to senior secondary students’ academic achievement in biology in Eket Local Government Area. Findings and recommendations from the study reflects the views and opinions of respondents sampled in the area. It may not reflect the entire picture in the population.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
The major limitations of the research study are time, financial constraints and delays from respondents. The researcher had difficulties combining lectures with field work. Financial constraints in form of getting adequate funds and sponsors to print questionnaires, hold Focus group discussions and logistics was recorded. Finally, respondents were a bit reluctant in filling questionnaires and submitting them on time. This delayed the project work a bit.
1.9 Organization of the Study
The study is made up of five (5) Chapters. Chapter one of the study gives a general introduction to the subject matter, background to the problem as well as a detailed problem statement of the research. This chapter also sets the objectives of the paper in motion detailing out the significance and scope of the paper.
Chapter Two of the paper entails the review of related literature with regards to corporate governance and integrated reporting. This chapter outlines the conceptual reviews, theoretical reviews and empirical reviews of the study.
Chapter Three centers on the methodologies applied in the study. A more detailed explanation of the research design, population of the study, sample size and technique, data collection method and analysis is discussed in this chapter.
Chapter Four highlights data analysis and interpretation giving the readers a thorough room for the discussion of the practical and theoretical implications of data analyzed in the study.
Chapter Five outlines the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the study. Based on objectives set out, the researcher concludes the paper by answering all research questions set out in the study.
1.10 Definition of Terms
- Teaching: The process of imparting knowledge, skills, and information to students, often facilitated by educators or teachers.
- Fruits: In the context of the study, this refers to the mature ovary of a flowering plant, typically containing seeds, and the associated structures.
- Realia: Real objects or materials from everyday life that are used as instructional aids to enhance the learning experience.
- Charts: Visual representations or diagrams that illustrate concepts, processes, or information, used as teaching aids.
- Academic Achievement: The measurable level of success and accomplishment that students attain in their academic studies, often assessed through grades, exam scores, and overall performance.
- Biology: The scientific study of living organisms, their structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy.
These definitions provide clarity on the main concepts involved in investigating the impact of teaching fruits using realia and charts on students' academic achievement in Biology in senior secondary schools.
