ATBU Journal of Science, Technology and Education, Vol 12, No 2 (2024)

Perceived Adequacy and Utilization of Resources for Teaching Practical Biology in Senior Secondary Schools in Benue South, Nigeria.

Irene Une Unazi, Kehinde Victoria Fatokun, Peter Ash Agu

Abstract


This research investigated the adequacy and utilization of resources for teaching practical biology in secondary schools in Benue South. Two research questions guided the study, and a null hypothesis was tested at a 0.05 significance level. The research design for this study was a descriptive survey. The population comprised 208 secondary school biology teachers in all Benue South Senatorial Zone secondary schools. Stratified random sampling was used to draw a sample of 108 teachers for the study. The Biology Laboratory Assessment Checklist (BLAC) was adapted for the study. Three experts validated the instrument, and a Cronbach's alpha reliability index of 0.83 was obtained for the BLAC. The data obtained were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and independent t-test statistics. The findings from the study showed that resources for teaching practical biology in secondary schools in Benue South were inadequate and not well utilized. The study further revealed that there was a significant difference in the mean response scores of urban and rural teachers regarding the adequacy and utilization of resources for teaching practical biology in secondary schools in Benue South. It was recommended, among other suggestions, that principals of secondary schools ensure that biology laboratory materials that are unavailable due to breakage are replaced as soon as possible. Additionally, the government and school owners should address the lack of resources and provide training to optimize practical biology education for all teachers.