Effect of Animation Package on Academic Performance of Secondary School Biology Students towards Ecological Concepts in Kaduna South, Nigeria

Abstract

This study entitled, Effect of Animation Package on Academic Performance of Secondary School Biology Students towards Ecological Concepts in Kaduna South, Nigeria was guided by four research questions and four corresponding research hypotheses. The study employed a quasi-experimental research design, specifically utilizing a pre-test post-test non-equivalent control group experimental design, given the use of intact classes. The study population comprised 699 SS II Biology students from Government Secondary Schools in Kaduna South LGA, with a sample size of 212 students randomly selected from two schools and an additional 150 students purposively selected from two other schools. Assessment of students' performance was conducted after they received instruction using both an animation package and conventional teaching methods. The assessment instrument used was the Ecology Performance and Retention Test (EPRT), comprising 30 items with response options A, B, C, and D, each item allocated 2 marks, resulting in a total score of 60. Validation of the EPRT was performed by two senior lecturers from the Federal College of Education, Zaria, experienced in educational tests and measurement. The reliability of the EPRT was assessed using the test-retest technique, yielding a reliability coefficient of 0.79 using Kuder-Richardson Formula 20. Data analysis was carried out using mean and t-test at a significance level of 0.05. The findings revealed differences in the mean performance scores of students taught ecology concepts using an animation package and those taught without, as well as differences in the mean retention scores of students taught Biology concepts using an animation package and those taught without it. Additionally, there were differences in the mean performance scores of male and female students taught ecology concepts using animation packages, while no significant difference was observed in the mean retention scores of male and female students taught biology concepts with the use of animation packages. Based on these findings, the study recommends that educational institutions prioritize the integration of animation packages into biology curricula to enhance student learning outcomes, among other suggestions.