The Challenges and opportunities that ordinary level biology learners in five selected secondary schools in Gokwe North district encounter during practical work and the impact on academic achievement
- Author
- Mupfaranyuri, Lovemore.
- Title
- The Challenges and opportunities that ordinary level biology learners in five selected secondary schools in Gokwe North district encounter during practical work and the impact on academic achievement
- Abstract
- The researcher conducted a study to investigate the challenges and opportunities that Ordinary level Biology learners in five selected secondary schools in Gokwe North district encounter during practical work and the impact on academic achievement. This study adopted a qualitative descriptive case study on the challenges and opportunities encountered by these learners and the impact on academic achievement. The data collection instruments used in this study are interviews, focus group discussions and observations. Interviews were conducted with thirty learners and five biology teachers from the five schools. A group of six learners per each school participated in focus group discussions with the research. Observations were held from these schools from the infrastructure to the teaching and learning process. The findings of this study are that learners are facing numerous challenges during practical work. These challenges include lack of science laboratories in some schools, laboratories that require electricity, running water and overall rehabilitation in some schools, inadequate equipment and materials for conducting practical work, poor working space and ventilation, safety concerns, lack of support from administration and limited understanding of instructions by learners. These challenges are negatively affecting academic achievement of learners. Availability of qualified teachers who are well motivated and value teamwork as well as appreciating the role of practical work and ZIMSEC Biology Paper 3 on practical work that is helping schools purchase equipment and materials that can be used by other classes are among the opportunities in these schools. Science levies being paid by learners must be used to improve the teaching and learning of science. This study recommends the schools to prioritize seeking and allocation of financial resources to provide necessary facilities, equipment and materials for Biology practical work. Teachers also need regular professional development opportunities for them to be effective. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education can also assist rural schools with resources so that they are not left behind.
- Date
- December 2024
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Ordinary level biology
- Gokwe North District
-
Academic Achievement
- Science laboratories in Zimbabwe
- Supervisor
- Ms. Bwanya, S.
- Item sets
- Faculty of Science Education
