EFFECT OF LEARNING ACTIVITY PACKAGE (LAP) ON STUDENTS’ ACHIEVEMENT AND RETENTION IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL BIOLOGY

EFFECT OF LEARNING ACTIVITY PACKAGE (LAP) ON STUDENTS’ ACHIEVEMENT AND RETENTION IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL BIOLOGY

 

ABSTRACT

This study examined the effect of Learning Activity Packages (LAPs) on students' achievement and retention in senior secondary school biology. Two (2) research questions and three (3) hypotheses guided the study. The study adopted a quasi-experimental design. The population comprised 4,164 senior secondary two (SS2) biology students of Afikpo Education zone of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The sample was 235 students drawn from 4 schools by balloting. The experimental groups were taught with LAP while the control groups were taught with Lecture. The instruments used were Learning Activity Package Manual (LAPM) and Biology Achievement Test on Biology (CATOB) which were validated by 3 experts. Reliability index of .82 was obtained for the CATOB using Kuder Richardson’s formula 20 which showed that it was reliable. The data collected were analysed using the mean, standard deviation and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Results of data analysis revealed among others that, utilisation of Learning Activity Package in the classroom had greater impact on the students’ academic achievement in biology than the Lecture method. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the academic achievement of urban and rural students in biology when taught with LAP and Lecture method. The researcher recommended among others things that biology teachers should be encouraged to utilise the LAP in their classrooms in order to encourage students’ active engagement in the lesson for enhanced academic achievement.

Keywords: achievement, learning activity package, biology, rural, urban.

  

CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

The growing need to thrive in a 21st century society that is globally competitive has made it necessary to restructure the teaching and learning process to not only employ cutting-edge teaching methods that can encourage learning and help enhance classroom instruction for efficient delivery (Adams, 2009; Lu & Smiles, 2023). According to West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Examiners Report (2016), for the past six years the failure rate of students cut across all subjects, that 75% failure was recorded in skill subjects. This obviously includes subjects like Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Biology and Technical Drawing while 25% failure was recorded in other subjects like Government, Christian Religious Studies, Islamic Religious Studies and Geography to mention but few. This failure rate is massive and grievous and may be attributed to the methods of teaching employed by the teachers’.

Traditionally, teaching in Nigerian classrooms has been teacher-centered, with the predominant use of lecture-based instruction (Ogunode et al, 2023). Research has shown that passive learning approaches may not effectively engage students or promote active participation in the learning process (Dogani, 2023; Lilibeth, & Natividad, 2023; Marcourt et al, 2023; Wadian, 2023). The effective implementation of teaching strategies is crucial for fostering quality education in secondary schools, especially when it comes to complex subjects like Biology. One such strategy gaining recognition in educational research is the peer group strategy. The peer group strategy emphasizes collaborative learning and interaction among students, providing them with the opportunity to actively participate in their own learning process (Ogunode et al, 2023; Oyelekan et al, 2018).

Generally, science educators have been canvassing for science teachers at all levels to focus on the utilisation of teaching strategies that can enhance students’ conceptual understanding, give them higher levels of performance in scientific thinking, reasoning and problem solving. It is important to point out that biology play important roles in the scientific and technological development of nations [2] . Unfortunately, research studies have shown that Nigerian secondary school students’ performance in the subject biology in both internal and external examinations have consistently been poor [3,4,5] . Meanwhile, researchers have discovered that the causes of the persistent poor academic performance have been attributed to; ineffective teaching methods/strategies adopted by biology teachers [6,7] ; apparent difficulty associated to biology by students [8] ; among others reasons.

Based on these facts, the researcher is of the view that when biology teachers utilises appropriate teaching strategies, which are student-centred and activity-oriented, the biology concepts would be easily understood by the students. This can lead to improved students’ academic performance in the subject. There are many student-centred and activity-oriented teaching strategies, but this study focussed on the Learning Activity Package (LAP). Available which empirically enhances students’ academic achievement more than the conventional teaching approaches. This present study is poised to investigate the effect of Learning Activity Packages on students' achievement and retention in senior secondary school biology.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Research studies have shown that Nigerian candidates in the West African School Certificate Examinations have been recording consistent poor performance in biology (Ezeadu, 2003; Oyelekan, 2009). In a bid to identify the possible causes of this persistent poor academic performance, researchers have identified the use of ineffective teaching methods by the teachers and the apparent difficulty associated to biology by students, among others reasons that could be responsible. Moreover, students find biology difficult to understand, this might be as a result of the apparent abstract nature of the concepts and the pedagogic approaches adopted by teachers in presenting it to the students (Oyelekan, 2006). Meanwhile, research studies have acknowledged the effectiveness of the learning activity package (LAP) in enhancing greater students’ academic performance in some subject areas as presented in the literature. This present study therefore examined the learning activity package instructional strategy, to find out whether it can as well be effective in enhancing students’ academic performance in biology.

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to examine the effect of Learning Activity Packages (LAPs) on students' achievement and retention in senior secondary school biology.  Specifically, this study sought to determine the;

1. Impact of Learning Activity Package on students’ academic achievement in biology;
2. Influence of teaching methods (LAP and Lecture) on urban and rural students’ academic achievement in biology.
3. Interaction effect of method and location on students’ academic achievement in biology.

1.4 Research Questions

In order to achieve the purpose of this research work, the study sought answers to the following questions:

1. Is there any significant difference in the academic achievement of students taught biology with LAP and those taught with conventional (Lecture) method?
2. Does significant difference exist in the academic achievement of urban and rural students taught biology with LAP and conventional (Lecture) method?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

The following null hypotheses tested at 5% level of significance guided the study;

H_01.    There is no significant difference in the academic achievement of students taught biology with LAP and those taught with conventional (Lecture) method.

H_02.      Significant difference does not exist in the academic achievement of urban and rural students taught biology with LAP and conventional (Lecture) method.

H_03.       The interaction effect of method and location on students’ academic achievement in biology is not significant.

1.6 Significance of Study

This study holds significant implications for teachers involved in the teaching of senior secondary school biology. This research aims to provide valuable insights into effective instructional strategies. Teachers can benefit from the study's findings by understanding how LAPs can improve student engagement, comprehension, and knowledge retention. The results can help teachers incorporate LAPs into their biology lessons, fostering a more interactive and hands-on learning environment. Additionally, by identifying the impact of LAPs on student achievement, teachers can gauge the effectiveness of these instructional strategies and make informed decisions regarding their instructional practices.

For school administrators, this study provides important information on the potential benefits of implementing Learning Activity Packages in senior secondary school biology classrooms. The findings can guide administrators in curriculum development and resource allocation, as they can assess the value of incorporating LAPs into the biology curriculum. By recognizing the positive impact of LAPs on student achievement and retention, administrators can support and encourage teachers to adopt these instructional strategies. Furthermore, administrators can use the study's results to advocate for the necessary resources, training, and professional development opportunities for teachers to effectively implement LAPs in their classrooms.

The Ministry of Education plays a crucial role in shaping educational policies and practices. This study's findings can provide valuable insights to inform policy decisions regarding biology education at the senior secondary school level. The Ministry can consider the impact of Learning Activity Packages on student achievement and retention when designing curriculum frameworks and educational guidelines. By recognizing the potential benefits of LAPs, the Ministry can promote the integration of these instructional strategies into the broader educational system. The study's results can also guide the Ministry in providing support and resources to schools and teachers for the effective implementation of LAPs in biology classrooms.

Students are at the core of any educational research. This study's significance to students lies in the potential for improved learning experiences, achievement, and knowledge retention in senior secondary school biology. By incorporating Learning Activity Packages, students can engage in hands-on activities, interactive exercises, and practical applications of biological concepts. This can enhance their understanding, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities. The study's findings can empower students by highlighting the positive impact of LAPs on their academic performance and long-term knowledge retention, motivating them to actively participate in their biology education.

Researchers in the field of biology education and instructional strategies can benefit from this study in several ways. Firstly, the study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by investigating the effect of Learning Activity Packages on student achievement and retention in senior secondary school biology. The findings can be used as a basis for further research and exploration into effective instructional strategies. Researchers can build upon these findings to conduct comparative studies, examine the specific components and design of LAPs, and investigate their impact on other subject areas or educational levels. The study also provides a framework for future research on instructional approaches that promote student engagement, achievement, and retention in biology education.

1.7 Scope of study

The scope of this study is focused on Senior Secondary biology students in Afikpo Education zone during the 2021/2022 academic session. The choice of this grade level is based on the fact that organic biology is covered in the SS2 section of the biology curriculum in Nigerian schools. The study aims to investigate the effect of Learning Activity Packages (LAPs) on students' achievement and retention in senior secondary school biology within this specific population.

EFFECT OF LEARNING ACTIVITY PACKAGE (LAP) ON STUDENTS’ ACHIEVEMENT AND RETENTION IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL BIOLOGY, GET MORE PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS

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