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EFFECT OF LABORATORY MANAGEMENT PRACTICE ON STUDENTS ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND RETENTION IN BIOLOGY IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NASARAWA STATE
Abstract
This study investigates the effect of laboratory management practices on students’ academic achievement and retention in Biology in Senior Secondary Schools in Nasarawa State. The study aims to assess how the organization, utilization, and maintenance of Biology laboratory resources contribute to students’ performance and long-term retention of biological concepts. A descriptive correlational research design was employed, involving a sample of 500 students selected from various senior secondary schools in Nasarawa State. Data were collected through questionnaires, laboratory observation checklists, and academic records. The findings revealed that effective laboratory management, including proper organization of materials, active student involvement in practical activities, and regular maintenance of laboratory equipment, positively influenced both students’ academic achievement and their ability to retain biological knowledge. Additionally, students who participated in well-managed laboratory sessions demonstrated a higher level of understanding and application of biological concepts in subsequent examinations. The study recommends that educational authorities and school administrators prioritize the proper management of laboratory resources and staff training to improve educational outcomes in Biology. This could lead to enhanced academic performance and better retention rates in the subject, ultimately fostering a deeper understanding of biology among senior secondary school students in Nasarawa State.
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background to the Study
The role of laboratory management in secondary education has garnered significant attention in recent years. Biology, as a core science subject, requires an effective laboratory environment to enhance students’ understanding and retention of scientific concepts. Laboratory management practices, including organization, availability of equipment, and the competency of laboratory personnel, are believed to influence students’ academic achievement in science subjects (Ogunniyi, 2018). In Nasarawa State, biology is an essential subject in the senior secondary curriculum, and its teaching effectiveness can significantly impact students’ performance in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and other academic assessments (Adamu, 2020).
Research indicates that practical work in biology fosters better understanding and application of biological concepts (Akpan & Umoh, 2017). However, the management of school laboratories has been identified as a potential bottleneck, as poorly managed laboratories can negatively affect students’ practical skills and, consequently, their academic performance (Ekpo, 2016). Factors such as insufficient funding, inadequate equipment, poor organization, and lack of trained personnel often hinder the effectiveness of biology laboratory teaching (Bamidele & Adebayo, 2019).
This study seeks to explore the effect of laboratory management practices on the academic achievement and retention of senior secondary school students in biology in Nasarawa State. It aims to assess whether efficient laboratory management practices correlate with improved academic outcomes, particularly in terms of students’ ability to retain knowledge and perform well in biology exams.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Despite the recognized importance of laboratory-based learning, many senior secondary schools in Nasarawa State struggle with ineffective laboratory management practices. These challenges include inadequate laboratory space, lack of essential equipment, and poorly trained laboratory assistants (Oluwaseun, 2021). These issues potentially affect students’ engagement with the subject, leading to poor academic performance and low retention rates in biology (Afolabi, 2020).
Given that biology is a subject heavily reliant on laboratory work for effective teaching and learning, it is crucial to investigate the impact of laboratory management practices on students’ academic achievement and retention. This study intends to fill the gap in existing literature by providing insights into how laboratory management influences student outcomes in biology education in Nasarawa State.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objectives of this study are:
To assess the relationship between laboratory management practices and students’ academic achievement in biology in senior secondary schools in Nasarawa State.
To determine the effect of laboratory management on students’ retention of biology concepts in senior secondary schools.
To identify the challenges faced by biology teachers and laboratory assistants in managing biology laboratories in secondary schools.
To suggest strategies for improving laboratory management practices in biology education.
1.4 Research Questions
The study will seek to answer the following research questions:
What is the relationship between laboratory management practices and students’ academic achievement in biology in senior secondary schools in Nasarawa State?
How do laboratory management practices affect students’ retention of biology concepts in senior secondary schools?
What are the challenges faced by biology teachers and laboratory assistants in managing biology laboratories in Nasarawa State?
1.5 Hypotheses
The study will test the following hypotheses:
H1: There is a significant relationship between laboratory management practices and students’ academic achievement in biology in senior secondary schools in Nasarawa State.
H2: Laboratory management practices have a significant effect on students’ retention of biology concepts in senior secondary schools.
H3: There are significant challenges faced by biology teachers and laboratory assistants in managing biology laboratories in Nasarawa State.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study is significant because it will contribute to the body of knowledge on laboratory management in secondary schools, particularly in Nasarawa State. By examining the link between laboratory management practices and students’ academic achievement and retention, the findings could inform policies aimed at improving science education in the region. Additionally, it will provide valuable information to educators, school administrators, and policymakers on the importance of effective laboratory management for better academic outcomes. The study could also offer practical solutions to the challenges of laboratory management, enhancing the quality of biology education in senior secondary schools.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study will focus on senior secondary schools in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, particularly those offering biology as part of their science curriculum. It will examine the management practices in these schools’ biology laboratories and their impact on students’ academic achievement and retention in biology. The study will cover various aspects of laboratory management, including organization, equipment, and the role of laboratory personnel.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
This study may be limited by factors such as limited access to certain schools, insufficient cooperation from some laboratory assistants and teachers, and the variability in laboratory management practices across different schools. These factors could affect the generalizability of the findings. However, the study will aim to mitigate these limitations by selecting a representative sample of schools and using reliable data collection methods.
1.9 Definition of Key Terms
Laboratory Management Practices: The processes and techniques used to organize, equip, and maintain a science laboratory to ensure effective teaching and learning.
Academic Achievement: The measure of students’ success in their biology academic performance, typically assessed through examinations and other forms of testing.
Retention: The ability of students to remember and apply biological concepts learned over time.
Biology Education: The teaching and learning of biological sciences, which includes theoretical knowledge and practical experiments.
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