ABSTRACT

The aim of the study is to find out the influence of biology practical on the academic performance of biology students in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia state. Five research questions were developed in consonance with what the study ought to find out. Three null hypotheses were also formulated and tested at the probability of 0.05 level of significance. Structured questionnaire were developed and used for the study. They were face validated by two lecturers from College of Agricultural and Science Education and one expert from measurement and e valuation. The five research questions were used to formulate thirty questionnaire items. The questionnaire was used to collect data from 265 respondents comprising of 245 biology students and 20 teachers on the influence of biology practical on the academic performance of biology students in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State. The data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation and t- test statistics for testing the null hypothesis. The findings from the study indicated that practical equipment and materials in secondary schools are not enough and some of the available ones are not working, hence practical activities will not be effective in the absence of practical equipment. Also, it was found out that some secondary schools in ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State do not have laboratory while the available once are not spaced and ventilated. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that separate standard biology laboratory should be provided for all the secondary schools to enable them teach the practical aspect of biology effectively. More professionally qualified teachers should be given in service opportunity to make them more effective. Teachers on their own should endeavor to make effective use of available laboratory equipment. Provisions should be made for teachers and students safety in the laboratory. Finally, adequate provisions should be made for the training of laboratory assistance and those in the field.