Discussion Methods and Academic Performance of Students in Biology in Secondary Schools

DISCUSSION METHODS AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS IN BIOLOGY IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ETIM EKPO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page

Certification

Dedication   

Acknowledgments  

Abstract

Table of Contents

CHAPTER ONE – INTRODUCTION

1.1     Background to the Study

1.2     Statement of the Problem

1.3     Purpose of the Study        

1.4     Research Questions

1.5     Research Hypotheses       

1.6     Significance of the Study

1.7     Limitations of the Study   

1.8     Definition of Terms

CHAPTER TWO – REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1     The Concept of Discussion Method of Teaching 

2.2     The Influence of Discussion Method of Teaching on Academic

Performance of Students in Biology       

2.3     The Effect of Lecture Method of Teaching  on Academic Performance

          of Students in Biology                

2.4     The impact of Discovery Method of Teaching on Academic Performance

of Students in Biology      

2.5     Summary of Literature Review

CHAPTER THREE – RESEARCH METHODS

3.1     Research Design

3.2     Area of the Study

3.3     Population of the Study    

3.4     Sample and Sampling Techniques          

3.5     Instrument for Data Collection

3.6     Validation of the Instrument       

3.7     Administration of the Instrument

3.8     Scoring of the Instrument

3.9     Method of Data Analysis

CHAPTER FOUR – RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1     Presentation of Results     

4.2     Discussion of Findings      

CHAPTER FIVE – SUMMARY, RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION

5.1     Summary     

5.2     Recommendations

5.3     Conclusion   

5.4     Suggestions for Further Study     

          References   

          Appendices    

 

ABSTRACT

The research on discussion methods and academic performance of students in Biology in secondary schools was conducted in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area. Two research questions were formulated to guide the study. A quasi-experimental design was employed in carrying out the study. The estimated population of this study was 1,872 SSII Biology students in the study area. A simple random sampling technique was used in selecting 200 students from four (4) schools selected as sample population for the study.  Biology Achievement Test (BAT) was used as the major instrument for data collection.

The data generated from the instrument was analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation. The results showed that students taught Biology with discussion methods performed better than those taught with lecture method. It also revealed that male students performed academically better than their female counterparts when discussion method is used in teaching Biology.

Based on the findings, it was therefore recommended that the government should encourage and instruct teachers to use discussion method through supervision and provision of ending environment to teach Biology in secondary schools.

 

Discussion Methods and Academic Performance of Students in Biology in Secondary Schools

 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1     Background to the Study

The method to be used for effective teaching and learning is a matter of grave concern to teachers and educators. It has also been noted that lecture method commonly used for teaching/learning process in Nigerian schools is not so effective because the students are not given the opportunity to interact with the environment and maximally develop their intellectual capabilities. 

Seweje (2010) confirmed that the methods adopted by teachers in most cases include the talk and chalk (lecture) with no little concern for practical activities. He further explain that a teacher is expected to be a facilitator whose main function is to help learners to become active participants in  their learning and thereby making meaningful connection between prior knowledge, new knowledge and the process involved in learning.

Akinleye (2010) confirmed that if Biology students are given opportunity to be listened to and guided in a non-threatening atmosphere, they would perform wonders in terms of problem-solving and decision making.

Discussion method of teaching is a method in which the teacher leads or guides the students in expressing their opinions and ideas with a view to identifying and solving problems collectively.

Oyedeji (2016) explained that the discussion method works in the principle that the knowledge and ideas of several people are more likely to find solution or answers to specified problems or topics. This is in line with the saying that “two good heads are better than one”.

Discussion method of teaching engages both the teachers and students in thinking. It also develops in students social skills of talking and listening. Of course, the method also has some demerits including the possibility that class may be diverted from the topic.

Academically, weak students may not actively take part in the lessons. Some brilliant ones may likely take over the discussion. Problems may occur among the participants owing to lack of respect for other peoples opinions and the whole class may turn into a state of pandemonium. The above problems may arise as a result of poor handling of the discussion method.

According to Stephens and Stephens (2015), discussion as a process of giving and talking, speaking and listening, describing and witnessing which helps expand horizons and foster mutual understanding. They explained further that it is only through discussion that Biology students can be exposed to new points of view and exposure increases understanding and renews motivation to continue learning.

Bridges (2013) noted that discussion method of teaching promotes academic performance of students in Biology, since it concerned with the development of knowledge, understanding or judgment among those students taking part in it. He believes that discussion is more serious than conversation because it requires to be both “mutually responsive” to the different views expressed by learners.

Dillion (2014) saw discussion method of teaching as an important way for students to affiliate with one another to develop the sympathies and skills that make participatory democracy possible.

Abdu-Raheem (2010) recommended that as a matter of urgency, teachers of Biology should explore and use discussion method of teaching to promote knowledge to secondary school students. This is due to the fact that if discussion method is properly managed, it will go a long way to improve students’ academic achievement in Biology in secondary schools in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area.

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Discussion Methods and Academic Performance of Students in Biology in Secondary Schools

1.2     Statement of the Problem

The problem of selecting effective teaching method for the teaching and learning of Biology in Nigerian secondary schools has become a sensitive issue that needs urgent attention. It has been observed that the issue is affecting the performance of students in both internal and external examination adversely.

It has also been discovered that the poor academic performance of students is related to the conventional lecture method used to teach Biology by the teachers. This study therefore aims at investigating the effectiveness of discussion method on students’ academic achievement in Biology in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area.

 

1.3     Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of this study was to find out the effect of discussion methods on Academic Performance of Students in Biology in Secondary Schools in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area.

In specific terms, the objectives were as follows:

1. To compare the academic performance of students taught Biology with discussion and lecture method.
2. To compare the academic performance of male and female students taught Biology with discussion method.

Discussion Methods and Academic Performance of Students in Biology in Secondary Schools

1.4     Research Questions

The following research questions were formulated for the study.

1. What is the difference in academic performance of students taught Biology with discussion and lecture method?
2. What is the difference in academic performance of male and female students taught Biology with discussion method?

 

1.5     Significance of the Study

The study under investigation is one of the current interests since functional education depends largely on effective and efficient instruction given by the teachers, who are at the center of implementing the school curriculum and educational policies. Therefore, the study will be significant:

1. To different educational authorities on the need to arm the teachers with appropriate techniques and methods during the teaching and learning processes.
2. To teachers who will apply these methods during presentation, to know and select the appropriate ones for each lesson, so as to develop interests and retention in the students.
3. To students as it may prove to them that discussion method of teaching in school can assist them in Biology class to study with focused and wave greater interest in order to achieve better performance in the subject.
4. This study will make available to Biology teachers an avenue of using modern methodology for science teaching which if adhered to, will bring about a more purposeful effective and efficient Biology teaching.
5. Finally, the result of this study will provide basis for effective teaching methods by nursery and primary school teachers to modify or reinforce pupils’ academic performance.

Discussion Methods and Academic Performance of Students in Biology in Secondary Schools

1.6     Limitation of the Study

This research is limited only to specific secondary schools in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area. The limitation had to do with financial constraints which made the researcher unable to study all or a greater number of secondary schools in the study area.

Another constraint was time. Both the teachers and students were busy with serious academic activities which demanded their attention. Finally, the study is limited to only four (4) selected secondary schools in the area under study due to transportation difficulties.

 

1.7  Definition of Terms

Discussion Method: This is a method of teaching whereby two or more students express, clarify, and pool their knowledge, experiences, opinions, and feelings about a particular topic.

Academic Performance: This refers to the achievement of students in secondary school in test or examinations.