STUDENT PERFORMANCE IN BIOLOGY: RACHUONYO NORTH SUB-COUNTY, HOMABAY COUNTY-KENYA AS THE CASE STUDY
This study was carried out in Homabay County, Rachuonyo North Sub County to determine factors responsible for underperformance of in Biology. It was considered because it’s compulsory and so, it’s expected of student to do well in the subject. This study had the following objectives; to establish the attitude of the teachers and learners towards the subject, to determine how teaching methodology affect the performance of students in Biology and also to establish how resources and facilities affects the performance of learners in Biology. The study had a conceptual framework that had three variables. Teaching methodology, attitude of learners and teachers as well as teaching and learning resources formed part of the independent variable. Excellent performance in Biology at KCSE level formed part of the dependent variable. The research targeted a population sample of 388 (380 students, 4 teachers and 4 principals) and this meant that during the data analysis, n was equated to 388 where applicable and to 4 where applicable. The study used descriptive survey design. A descriptive survey design was a process of collecting data so as to answer questions concerning the current status of the subjects in the study, Descriptive research design was used in preliminary and exploratory studies to allow research to gather information, summarize, present and interpret for the purpose of clarification. A simple random sampling was used. This method was appropriate since it allows each member of the learners to have equal chances of being included in the sample. The research instruments used included questionnaire and interviews. After the questionnaires and interview schedule were completed, the qualitative data obtained was analyzed. Then the findings were presented through tabulations. Quantitative data collected was analyzed and the results were presented using percentages, means, frequency distribution table, bar graphs and pie charts. The study found out that in the sub county, attitude of students towards the subject, teaching methods as well as resources and facilities greatly affected their performance in Biology. On the teaching method, it was found out that demonstration was the most preferred teaching method. The study recommended that sessions of guidance and counselling should be organized in these secondary schools, so as to boost student’s attitude and interest in the subject, the government and parents to get involved in funding projects in the school and ensure that resources such as laboratories are made available, and that teachers should be re-tooled on the appropriate teaching methods for Biology. The findings would enable learners to appreciate Biology as an important core subject in the secondary Curriculum, for it leads to careers in human health, animal life and that of plants.
Keyword: Biology, Student, Teaching, Teachers and Study Materials
