FACTORS MILITATING AGAINST THE EFFECTIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF BIOLOGY EDUCATION IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ONITSHA EDUCATION ZONE OF ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

This study investigated the factors militating against the effective teaching and learning of biology education in Senior Secondary Schools in Onitsha Education Zone of Anambra State, Nigeria. The effective teaching and learning of biology hold a crucial position in equipping students with the prerequisite knowledge and skills necessary for careers in science and related disciplines like medicine, pharmacy, biotechnology, genetics, nursing and environmental science. Understanding the significance of the   impacts of the factors militating against the effective teaching and learning of the subject Biology and how to overcome them is very important. The study used descriptive research design with well-constructed questionnaires to collect data from respondents. Forty (40) teachers were selected through purposive sampling techniques while four hundred and sixty, ,( 460)  students were selected through stratified random sampling technique .The data collected was analyzed using crombach and chi-square  statistical methods. The research found out that the teaching of Biology plays a pivotal and significant role for students pursuing careers in science and healthcare related disciplines.  The result of the research carried out showed some of the factors militating against the effective teaching and learning of biology education in senior secondary schools in Onitsha Education Zone, which are; insufficiency in the number of qualified teachers, bulky curriculum, lack of integration of ICT, inconducive learning environment, poor learning environment and lack of practical activities. Therefore, there is need for recruiting of sufficient qualified teachers and teachers training and professional development opportunities for effective biology teaching coupled with provision of conducive environment with well-equipped laboratory and instructional materials. Students need meaningful engagement and a keen interest in biology and biology teaching and learning process. It is important to pay attention to the classroom facilities, laboratory apparatus and incorporation of ICT (virtual laboratories) to facilitate effective teaching and learning of biology education in secondary schools in Onitsha Education Zone of Anambra State.