Factors Influencing Students’ Choice of Biology Science in Senior Secondary School in Kaduna State

Hadiza Umar Dalhatu

Abstract


This study was undertaken to ascertain the possible factors that account for the students’ choice of Biology science in senior secondary school in Zaria local government, Kaduna state. The objective was to determine who influences students to choose Biology as subject, what personal and organizational factors motivate students to select and which aspect of Biology curriculum were satisfying to students. Questionnaire were administered to 153 students from 10 senior secondary schools in Kaduna state. Data was generated using their responses and analysed by mean and standard deviation. People who most influenced students to offer Biology were parents and teachers with mean of 4.0 and 3.0 each respectively. Laboratory technician and another teacher mean of 1.6 each being least influential. Personal and organizational factors that most influenced students were personal interest mean of 3.6, followed by Biology related background with 3.5, while Biology club/society activities mean of 1.9 had least influence. Most satisfying activity was club/societies with mean of 3.30. Biology practical work mean of 2.80 being least satisfactory. Part of the recommendation is for the Biology educators to properly plan, maintain active recruitment program by providing information to potential students, parents and the general public about Biology and Biology related subjects, Biology science teachers should work with school counsellor to develop a thorough understanding of the program.


Full Text:

PDF

References


Akuibuilo, D. U. (2004). The effect of problem solving instructional strategies on students’ achievement and retention in Biology with respect to location in Enugu state. Journal of the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria, 24(1&2), 94-100.

Fonseca. J. M. B. and Conboy, J. E. (2006). Secondary student perceptions of factors effecting failure in Science in Portugal. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education. Vol. 2: 2, July 2006.www.ejmste.com.

Lavigne, G. L., Vallerand, R.J., & Miquelon, P. (2007). A motivational model of persistence in science education: A self-determination theory approach, European Journal of Psychology of Education, 22 (3), 351-369.

Mjega, K. (2013). Students’ Perceptions of Factors Influencing Choice of Science Streams in Tanzania Secondary Schools. Unpublished Ph.D Thesis, Dar es Salaam University College of Education.

Ogbonna, F. N. (2007). Influence of Parental Involvement and Self -Concept on Science Achievement of Junior Secondary School Students in Ogun State, Nigeria. A Pre-field Research Proposal Presented at Research Seminar of the Institute of Education. Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye.

Olasehinde, K. J. and Olatoye, R. A. (2014). A Comparative Study of Public and Private Senior Secondary School Students’ Science Achievement in Katsina State, Nigeria. Journal of Educational and Social Research. MCSER Publishing, Rome-Italy. Vol. 4 No.3.May 2014.

Woolnough, B. (1994). Effective science teaching. In George, J., Health education challenges in a rural context: A case study. Studies in Science Education, 25, 239-262.


Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.