Availability And Utilization Of Biology Laboratory Materials In Secondary Schools

Availability And Utilization Of Biology Laboratory Materials In Secondary Schools In Jos South L.G.A, Plateau State
 
Abstract
 
This study is on Availability And Utilization Of Biology Laboratory Materials In Secondary Schools In Jos South L.G.A, Plateau Stat, It adopted a descriptive  survey research design and was guided by one (1) checklist and two (2) research questions. It sought to find out laboratory resources available for teaching and learning biology in secondary schools in Jos South L.G.A, the extent of adequacy in the provision of laboratory resources in secondary schools and the extent of utilization of the laboratory resources by the biology teachers in teaching and learning biology.  Descriptive survey research design was employed for the study, a population of thirty six (36) teachers, due to factors that could not be controlled by the researcher a total of (20) respondents were used for the study, the total number of teachers of secondary schools in Jos South L.G.A is thirty six(36) for this reason, there was no need for sampling . The instrument used for data collection was a researcher developed questionnaire tagged Questionnaire on Availability and Utilization of Laboratory Resources in teaching and learning Biology (QAULR). The questionnaire has sixty (60) items. Descriptive statistics including percentages, mean and standard deviation were used to answer research questions while frequency was used to ascertain the relative position of the items in their order of priority/effect. It was revealed from the study that a total of sixteen out of the twenty listed items were available of in biology laboratories. The study also revealed that laboratory resources are not adequately provided for in secondary schools. Additionally, due to inadequacy in the quantity and quality of laboratory resources provided to secondary schools, students and teachers find it difficult to utilize the laboratory effectively. Different factors ranging from inadequate fund; over enrollment of students into government secondary schools; inadequacy in quantity and quality of human and material resources; lack of storage facilities; lack of supervision;  together with ignorance on the proper usage of resources due to lack of training were found to militate against provision, utilization of laboratory resources in secondary schools. Based on the above problems, it was recommended that biology laboratories should be adequately funded; staff, students and laboratory technologists/assistants should be adequately trained on proper improvisation of laboratory; appropriate storage of material resources; provision of accurate records/logistics; replacement/repair of damaged/faulty laboratory materials; appropriate planning, implementation, supervision, monitoring and evaluation of all biology laboratory utilizers among others were suggested as strategies for improving provision and utilization of laboratory materials in secondary schools.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content                                                                                                                      Pages
Title Page
Approval Page
Certification
Dedication
Acknowledgment
Table of Contents
List of Tables
Abstract
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Significance of the Study
Scope of the Study
Research Questions
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
Conceptual Framework
Nature of biology
Laboratory Resources
Availability of  Laboratory Resources
Maintenance of  Resources
Concept of Teaching and Learning
Theoretical Framework
Piaget’s Cognitive  Constructivists Learning  Theory
. Vygosky’s Social Constructivists Theory
Empirical Studies
Effects of integrating theory practicals on student’s achievement in Biology
Effects of Biological Practical activities on students’ process skills
.Effects of Laboratory approach on academic achievement of biology of students of different levels of scientific literacy
Summary of Literature Review
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHOD
Design of the Study
Area of the Study
Population of the Study
Sample and Sampling Technique
Instrument for Data Collection
Validation of Instrument
Trial testing of the Instrument
Reliability of the Instrument
Method of Data Collection
Method of Data Analysis
CHAPTER FOUR: PRESENTATION OF RESULT
Research Question One
Research Question Two
Research Question Three
Summary of Findings of the Study
CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AND SUMMARY
Discussion Based on the three Research Questions
Conclusions Reached from the Findings of the Study
Educational Implications of the Findings of the Study
Recommendations
Limitations of the Study
Suggestions for Further Research/Study
Summary of the Study