STUDENTS PERCEPTION OF DIFFICULT TOPICS IN BIOLOGY SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM
CHAPTER ONE
Introduction
1.1 Background to the Study
While adequate research has been conducted in other countries of the world as named above in relation to biology topics perceived as difficult, and pupils’ learning challenges, very little research of this nature had been carried out in Zambia. Despite the teachers’ full knowledge of the difficulties that pupils face in learning some of these topics in biology which actually lower their overall performance in biology examinations, teachers have taken no serious steps to redress the situation.
This is partly due to the teachers’ lack of specific research-based information on how to teach such problem topics which could otherwise serve as a tool in alleviating the pupils’ difficulties in learning the aforesaid topics. This study therefore established the topics in biology which were perceived as difficult and examined the pupils’ difficulties in learning biology, and highlighted 2 some of the possible teaching strategies that the biology teachers could use in order to address the learning challenges.
Various Scholars have investigated difficulties pupils face in learning biology in other countries such as Scotland, Nigeria, Turkey and Israel (Johnstone and Mahmoud 1980). In their findings, Johnstone and Mahmoud (1980) suggested that genetics was among the most challenging topics in biology for secondary school pupils. Lazarowitz and Penso (1992) identified cells, physiological processes and hormonal regulation as being the biological concepts that posed learning difficulties to the secondary school pupils. According to Johnestone (1999), monohybrid, dihybrid crosses and linkages in genetics, meiosis, central nervous system, alleles and genes were largely perceived by pupils as being topics of the highest difficulty.
There has been consistent decline in the performance of students in public examinations conducted by the west African Examination Council (WAEC) and the National Examination Council (NECO) in sciences across the country over the years (Agogo, 2003; Samba & Eriba, 2012). Ahmed and Abimbola (2011) argue that because of its numerous importance, Biology is the most popular choice, among science subjects nationwide, offered by candidates sitting for the senior secondary school certificate examinations. According to WAEC Research Report (2008) and (2009), despite the popularity of Biology, results of research studies always revealed the poor performance of students in the subject.
Results from findings revealed that a vast number of factors are responsible for the students’ poor performance: difficult biological concepts (Tekkaya et al., 2001; Çimer, 2004; Zeidan, 2010); the nature of science itself and its teaching methods Lazarowitz and Penso (1992) as well as the biological level of organization and the abstract level of the concepts. Çimer (2011) argued that many concepts or topics in biology, including water transport in plants, protein synthesis, respiration and photosynthesis, gaseous exchange, energy, cells, mitosis and meiosis, organs, physiological processes, hormonal regulation, oxygen transport, genetics, Mendelian genetics, genetic engineering, and the central nervous system can be perceived as difficult to learn by secondary school students.
While Tekkaya et al. (2001) found that hormones, genes and chromosomes, mitosis and meiosis, the nervous system, and Mendelian genetics were considered difficult concepts by secondary school students. Özcan, (2003) stressed that experiencing difficulties in so many topics in biology negatively affects students’ motivation and achievement. Students’ difficulties with many topics in biology have stimulated researchers to investigate why students experience such difficulties and how to overcome these difficulties. Experiencing difficulty in Biology could be attributed to many factors such as classroom learning environment, lack of interest in learning science, overloaded curriculum content and delineation of science from society, among others.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
For over a decade now various scholars of senior high school pupils have exhibited unsatisfactory performance in some biology topics that are perceived as difficult to learn, and the reasons for their learning challenges are not known. While adequate research has been conducted in other countries of the world in relation to biology topics perceived as difficult, and pupils’ learning challenges, very little research of this nature has been carried out in Nigeria especially Kogi State.
The researcher also observed that once the teachers have difficulty in understanding certain biology topics, he/she will not be able to teach such topics to the good understanding of the students, hence such teacher is likely to avoid such topics and students are likely not understand the area of the biology curriculum not taught by the teachers and the students may even not prepare well for external examination in such topics. These might lead to poor performance in the senior secondary certificate examination as the syllabus and questions are based on the senior secondary education curriculum. Based on this premise, the study is set out to find out the perception of the students on difficult topics in senior secondary schools curriculum in Kogi state.
1.3 Objective of the Study
The main objective of this study is to find out the perception of secondary school students on difficult topics in biology curriculum in Kogi state, specifically the study intends to:
- Find out the difficult topics students are faced with in biology
- Find out the perception of students concerning the difficult topics
- Analyze the effects of these difficult topics on the academic performance of students in Kogi state.
1.4 Research Question
- Is there any difficult topics students are faced with in biology?
- What is the perception of students concerning the difficult topics?
- Is there any effects of these difficult topics on the academic performance of students in Kogi state?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
Ho: there is no effects of these difficult topics on the academic performance of students in Kogi state
Hi: there is effects of these difficult topics on the academic performance of students in Kogi state
1.6 Significance of the Study
A lot of research has been done on pupils’ difficulties in learning biology across the globe generally. However, not much research, according to the literature, has been done on pupils’ learning difficulties in biology in Kogi state Nigeria. This study therefore is very important as it will provide useful data on the stdents learning difficulties in biology. It is hoped that data from this study may be useful to policy makers and curriculum designers in the Ministry of Education who may prescribe some changes in teaching methods.
The results of the study would equally be useful to educational institutions, school heads; teachers of biology, parents of students studying biology, and other stake holders who may wish to improve classroom teaching and learning. It is also hoped that this study will motivate other scholars to carry out similar research into pupils’ learning difficulties in biology and other science subjects or scale up this work beyond Kogi state.
1.7 Scope of the Study
This research work students perception on difficult topics in senior secondary school will be carried out in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi state as it will be very difficult to cover the whole of Kogi state due to some constraint like limited time to complete the research work. However the results of the research conducted will be generalize since Lokoja is the major city in kogi state.
1.8 Delimitation of the Study
Finance for the general research work will be a challenge during the course of study. Correspondents also might not be able to complete or willing to submit the questionnaires given to them.
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Literature Review
2.1 Introduction
The review of relevant literature is the main topic of this chapter. A literature review covers theoretical and methodological contributions to a certain issue in addition to the state of knowledge at the time of writing. It provides information about the state of the art in relation to the subject you are writing about. It examines the body of work on the chosen subject. The literature evaluation in this study comprises the …
Procedure for Downloading the PDF (Docx) Material
Students Perception of Difficult Topics in Biology Senior Secondary School Curriculum can be downloaded by requesting the full set of materials at the project or seminar cost. The document will be sent via Microsoft Word (MS-Word) format via WhatsApp (e-mail) following payment confirmation.
| Seminar Material Cost ₦3,000 | Project Material Cost ₦5,000 |
Request Complete Material
 | Click here to request the Complete Material via WhatsApp including;
|
TABLE OF CONTENTSPRELIMINARY PAGES
- Title page
- Approval page
- Dedication
- Acknowledgement
- Table of Contents
- Abstract
INTRODUCTION
- 1.1 Background …
- ⋮
LITERATURE REVIEW
- 2.1 Introduction
- 2.2 Conceptual Review
- 2.3 Theoretical Framework
- ⋮
- 2.4 Empirical Studies
- 2.5 Research Gaps
- 2.6 Summary of Literature Review
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
- 3.1 Introduction
- 3.2 Research Design
- 3.3 Population of Study
- 3.4 Sampling and Sampling Technique
- 3.5 Validation of Research Instrument
- 3.6 Method of Data Collection
- 3.7 Method of Data Analysis
- 3.8 Questionnaire Administration
- 3.9 Ethical Consideration
- 3.10 Statistical Analysis
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA ANALYSIS, RESULT AND DISCUSSION
- 4.1 Introduction
- 4.2 Presentation and Analysis of Data
- 4.3 Re-statement of Research Questions
- 4.4 Test of Hypotheses
- 4.5 Discussion of Findings
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
- 5.1 Introduction
- 5.2 Summary of Findings
- 5.3 Conclusion
- 5.4 Recommendation
- 5.5 Suggestion for Further Study
REFERENCES
APPENDIX A - “QUESTIONNAIRE”
Disclaimer for Complete Material Utilization
The displayed research work titled "Students Perception of Difficult Topics in Biology Senior Secondary School Curriculum" is stated as a research guideline towards accomplishing your assigned project / seminar research work. All the research materials on this website are ONLY for research purposes and should be used as a guideline in developing your research work. For no reason should you copy word for word as projectlist.com.ng will not be liable for any who copied the material. By ordering the complete research guideline, it signifies that you've accepted our terms of service.
PRELIMINARY PAGES
- Title page
- Approval page
- Dedication
- Acknowledgement
- Table of Contents
- Abstract
INTRODUCTION
- 1.1 Background …
- ⋮
LITERATURE REVIEW
- 2.1 Introduction
- 2.2 Conceptual Review
- 2.3 Theoretical Framework
- ⋮
- 2.4 Empirical Studies
- 2.5 Research Gaps
- 2.6 Summary of Literature Review
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
- 3.1 Introduction
- 3.2 Research Design
- 3.3 Population of Study
- 3.4 Sampling and Sampling Technique
- 3.5 Validation of Research Instrument
- 3.6 Method of Data Collection
- 3.7 Method of Data Analysis
- 3.8 Questionnaire Administration
- 3.9 Ethical Consideration
- 3.10 Statistical Analysis
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA ANALYSIS, RESULT AND DISCUSSION
- 4.1 Introduction
- 4.2 Presentation and Analysis of Data
- 4.3 Re-statement of Research Questions
- 4.4 Test of Hypotheses
- 4.5 Discussion of Findings
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
- 5.1 Introduction
- 5.2 Summary of Findings
- 5.3 Conclusion
- 5.4 Recommendation
- 5.5 Suggestion for Further Study
REFERENCES
APPENDIX A - “QUESTIONNAIRE”
Disclaimer for Complete Material Utilization
The displayed research work titled "Students Perception of Difficult Topics in Biology Senior Secondary School Curriculum" is stated as a research guideline towards accomplishing your assigned project / seminar research work. All the research materials on this website are ONLY for research purposes and should be used as a guideline in developing your research work. For no reason should you copy word for word as projectlist.com.ng will not be liable for any who copied the material. By ordering the complete research guideline, it signifies that you've accepted our terms of service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can this topic “Design and Fabrication of a Foldable Camp Bed” be used for Electrical / Electronics Engineering (EE) Project?
Yes it can be utilized for research — Camp bed is used universally for relaxation, emergency eases such as war and in other several ways, and it is the acknowledgement of these resources that led to the design of the foldable camp bed. In this project, three alternative design solutions were considered for the foldable camp bed. The authors utilize the local materials (with cost consideration) for the components. The main aim of the study is to design and fabricate a foldable bed that not only as a bed but more than that. One foldable camp bed will be develop as multifunctional bed complete with the variety of purpose which is light, comfort, more safe and foldable. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were set out …
Is the topic “The Effect of Macroeconomic Variables on Share Price Movement in Nigeria” recommended for Accountancy / Accounting Project?
Yes it is highly recommended — Share prices of various companies move up/down daily in the capital market across the globe. And the factors that determine this movement have been a major concern to various interest groups especially investors, management and researchers. This research work set out to add to the improved body of knowledge by examining the effect of macroeconomic variables on share prices over a period of twenty two (22) years from 1984 – 2005. The project also attempts to contribute to this long lasting capital market puzzles using the Nigerian capital market as a case study, companies were chosen as test cases and a regression and correlation analysis was carried out. The research findings showed that interest rate, inflation rate, exchange rate, growth rate, …
Is the topic “The Effect of Political Corruption” recommended for Political Science Project?
Yes it is highly recommended — The major purpose of this study was to examine the political corruption and its effect in the Nigerian government and politics. The study looked into political livies of Anambra state citizens being the case study of the work. For comprehensive understanding of the place and its impact of this study. The work has been divided into five chapters. In chapter one, comprises of statement of problems, significance of the study, purpose and research of the study and others. In chapter two comprises of the causes of corruption and poverty in Nigeria, Nigeria’s political godfathers, the evils of corruption, the effects of corruption in Nigeria which had put the federation into high jump from 1999 2010 in Nigeria especially Anambra state. …
Is the topic “An Analysis of New Products Development on Marketing Strategy on Organizational Productivity” recommended for Business Administration Project?
Yes it is highly recommended — The study was carried out to analyze the new products development on marketing strategy on organizational productivity in Lagos State manufacturing sector. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out to identify the problems encountered in new product development and its introduction into the market and examine the effect of new product development on Lagos State manufacturing sector growth. Investigation revealed that a new product consumes a lot of money to bring a new idea generated into commercialized offer. A new product is expected to be profitable and successful but opposite is the case sometimes to different companies. Products sometimes decline and die natural deaths due to inexplicable circumstance. The research design used in this report is …
Can this topic “The Impact of Class Size, Teachers’ Experience on Business Education Students Academics Performance” be used for Education Project?
Yes it can be utilized for research — This study examined the impact of class size, teachers experience on business education students academic performance using simple random sampling technique. Questionnaires were administered to 200 business education students selected from five senior secondary schools in Lagos State. Combinations of parametric and non-parametric statistics were used for the test of the research questions and hypotheses. The study concludes that class size, teachers experiences are significant factors affecting students’ academic performance. Therefore, the study recommended that there is need for government to build more on teachers’ educational qualification and mastery of the subjects they are teaching, with teachers’ training programmes, teachers need to be equipped with the teaching strategies in order to effectively teach both small and larger classes. Moreso, teachers should …
Can the material for “Design and Implementation of Medicine Information System” be used as a guide for Computer Science (CS) Project?
Yes it can be used — Medicine Information System enables authorized users to access, manage, share and safeguard patients’ medication. It can reduce prescription errors resulting in fewer adverse drug events and reduced hospitalizations. The motivation for executing drug information system is people die as a result of wrong self administration of drugs because they are not informed fully about the side effect of the drugs and also not knowing the specified age bracket that is allowed to take the specified drugs. The operations of the new objective, which will help to provide enough information about drugs, o provide enough information about the side effect of drug, the dosage and age bracket that is supposed to take specific drug and o educate doctor and pharmacist by …
Can the material for “Comparing the Strength as Blocks Made From Cement and Laterite Soil Cement and Red Earth Laterite, Sand and Red Earth” be used as a guide for Civil Engineering Project?
Yes it can be used — Lateritic soils are reddish brown in colour, which have been used as blocks for buildings without any cement content. The study was carried out to Compare the Strength as Blocks Made from Cement and Laterite Soil Cement and Red Earth Laterite, Sand and Red Earth. This project implements the following analysis to effect reduction to the rise in market price of sand (fine aggregate), cement blocks to substitute literate blocks, determine the strength of the cement stabilized blocks of literate soil in the soil laboratory with a view to have an alternative in the building industry and analyze the existing laterite soil and evaluate it’s suitability for use as a good building material by means of various tests. The result …
Can the material for “Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again by Ola Rotimi: A Critical Discourse Analysis” be used as a guide for Linguistics and Communication Project?
Yes it can be used — Analysis on a discourse level has been used in the analysis of texts, but this study attempts to carry out a Critical Discourse Analysis of Ola Rotimi’s Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again. The Norman Fairclough theory has been applied in this approach, paying more attention on the socio cultural and political issues in the text. The text, is a social drama which the author has used to expose some societal ills in the society, gender inequality and power relations in the text. …
Can the material for “The Role of Vanguard and Punch Newspaper Mass Media in Generating Awareness Against Drug Abuse” be used as a guide for Mass Communication (MC) Project?
Yes it can be used — The study was carried out to assess the Role of Vanguard and Punch Newspaper Mass Media in Generating Awareness Against Drug Abuse. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out to examine whether newspapers mass media educate and enlighten the general public on drug abuse, examine the problem facing the mass media in creating awareness on drug abuse and investigate the contribution of newspapers towards drug abuse through advertisement and alcohol promo. Mass media in organization provides news and opinions to a large number of people, retaining these people and building internal and external good will beyond reasonable assumption needed for an organization to remain and prosper in it. This led to the establishment of the media …
Can the material for “Agricultural Loan Disbursement and Repayment in Nigeria Commercial Banks” be used as a guide for Banking and Finance (BF) Project?
Yes it can be used — The objective of this study is to evaluate agricultural loan disbursement and repayment in the Nigeria commercial banks. In particular it is intended to examine the adequacy and repayment in commercial banks. In carrying out this research both. Secondary data were collected through the use of quantitative and qualitative analysis of data and other information which were administered to the agric department of afribank Nigeria plc. The result of the analysis should that agricultural loans has not been effectively disbursed by the Nigeria commercial banks also the beneficiaries of such loan has not been repaying them promptly. …