Effectiveness of teaching photosynthesis through practical work at o’ level Biology: a case of Gambuli secondary school
- Author
- Takaendesa, Kedy
- Title
- Effectiveness of teaching photosynthesis through practical work at o’ level Biology: a case of Gambuli secondary school
- Abstract
- Photosynthesis is one of the fundamental biochemical processes on earth. Most living organisms depend on it directly or indirectly. Knowledge about photosynthesis enables us to understand how the world function as an ecosystem and how photosynthesis act as a bridge between living and non-living. It is therefore understandable that photosynthesis is included in the national curriculum around the world. The practice unfortunately shows that learners at all school levels learn about photosynthesis by rote. As a result, they have difficulties in grasping this vital process. There is no doubt that practical work has a positive impact in the teaching and learning of photosynthesis at ‘o’ level Biology. The use of practical work contributes to successful classroom pedagogy. Questions have, however been raised by some science educators about its effectiveness as a teaching and learning strategy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of teaching photosynthesis through practical work and Gambuli secondary school was used as a case study. Constructive theory by Jerome Bruner guided the study. The study is situated in both qualitative and quantitative research paradigms. Qualitative data was collected through the use of a questionnaire, while quantitative data was collected through pre-test, post-test and delayed retention test. Biology teachers were selected through purposive sampling method. Stratified simple random sampling was used to select 40 form 4 learners taking Biology at Gambuli secondary school. The participants were divided into control group and treatment group. The concept of photosynthesis was taught to the control group through lecture method. The same content was taught to the treatment group through intensive practical work. Pre-test, post-test and delayed retention test were administered to both groups. After the analysis of the results, the mean score revealed a significant difference in the attainment scores of the treatment group over the control group. According to the research results, it was noted that practical work was more effective in improving learners’ performance. Practical work method improve the performance of treatment group which perform better in almost all questions in post-test and delayed retention test than in control group. In the pre-tests, the groups scored more or less the same marks. The ideas postulated by various theorists were incorporated in this study, involving their empirical findings. Findings of this research were presented in tables, graphs and the results indicated that non availability of laboratory equipment, time frame, large classes, syllabus coverage, poor laboratory conditions and pedagogical content of the teacher are the major constrains towards effective teaching of photosynthesis through practical work. The study made recommendations to Gambuli secondary school, so as to help on better ways and strategies of managing and improving the use of practical work in the teaching of photosynthesis. The study recommend teachers should plan their lessons in a more practical way to enhance learners’ attitude as well as achievement. The school administration, teachers, relevant government bodies, NGOs and the community should work closely to make sure that the practical work is conducted effectively. Enough qualified Biology teachers should be employed to cater for increase population of students. The administration of schools should supply their schools with all necessary equipment and chemicals needed to facilitate practical work in the teaching of photosynthesis. Further studies should be undertaken to explore the use information and communication technology (ICT) in the teaching of photosynthesis through practical work. There is need to conduct a countrywide study that will shed more light on why Biology teachers are reluctant to conduct practical work at secondary school level.
- Date
- September 2024
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Teaching Photosynthesis
- O’ Level Biology
- Supervisor
- Mrs. Bwanya S.
- Media
-
Takaendesa, Kedy.pdf