Availability and Utilization of Instructional Materials in Teaching and Learning of Biology in Senior Secondary Schools

Abstract

This study investigated the availability and utilization of instructional materials in the teaching and learning of biology in senior secondary schools in Talata Mafara Town, Zamfara State. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study using quantitative data. The population comprised all the heads of department of biology in the senior secondary schools (six public and four private) in Talata Mafara Town. The entire population constituted the sample of the study due to its small size. A validated questionnaire with reliability index of 0.63 obtained using Cronbach’s alpha was used as instrument for data collection. The data collected were analyzed using frequency counts and percentages presented in tables and charts. Five research questions guided the study. The findings of the study revealed that some of the required instructional materials are fairly available but are not regularly use by biology teachers. Biology laboratories and instructional materials relating to multimedia are lacking in most of the schools in Talata Mafara Town. Lack of fund for procurement and large class size coupled with lack of in-service training for serving biology teachers were major factors identified to inhibit effective provision and utilization of instructional materials respectively. Based on these findings, the study recommended among others that biology teachers in Talata Mafara Town should make effort in utilizing available instructional materials. Zamfara Sate Government should build biology laboratories and make provision for instructional materials especially multimedia related in all senior secondary schools in Talata Mafara. Professional development of biology teachers should be encouraged and sponsored by government and other relevant stake holders.