Project – The effects of Instructional material on the achievement and retention of Biology concepts among Secondary School Students

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

The importance of instructional materials in enhancing students’ understanding and retention of concepts has long been a subject of educational research. In secondary schools, particularly in subjects like biology, the effective use of instructional materials has shown positive effects on students’ achievement and retention (Eze & Nwosu, 2020). Instructional materials, such as textbooks, visual aids, models, and interactive technology, serve as tools that bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and real-world understanding, making abstract ideas more tangible. Several studies have suggested that when instructional materials are utilized effectively, they can significantly improve the academic performance and long-term retention of students (Akpan & Umoren, 2017). These materials facilitate active learning by engaging students in the learning process, helping them connect biology content with practical, observable phenomena.

Research indicates that instructional materials not only increase students’ immediate achievement but also enhance retention rates in the long term. According to Oladipo and Adebayo (2019), students exposed to diverse instructional materials such as diagrams, charts, and multimedia presentations tend to grasp and retain biological concepts more effectively than those taught through traditional lecture methods alone. This is particularly significant in biology, a subject that involves numerous complex concepts, processes, and systems that require visual and experiential learning to fully comprehend. The use of instructional materials allows students to engage in active learning, reinforcing their understanding of topics such as cell biology, genetics, and ecology, which are often abstract or difficult to understand without such aids (Akinmoladun et al., 2018).

Additionally, the incorporation of instructional materials in biology lessons has been linked to enhanced motivation and increased student interest in the subject. In their study, Williams and Johnson (2021) found that when biology teachers used real-life examples, hands-on experiments, and visual tools like models or interactive digital resources, students were more likely to participate in lessons and show sustained interest in learning. Engaged students are more likely to retain knowledge over time because they are actively processing and connecting new information to existing knowledge. Thus, the role of instructional materials extends beyond short-term achievement to fostering a deeper, more meaningful learning experience that aids retention (Akinmoladun et al., 2018).

The long-term impact of instructional materials on retention has also been explored in various studies. According to Onuoha (2016), retention of biological concepts is significantly improved when students interact with physical models or engage in practical experiments. These hands-on activities not only solidify the theoretical knowledge gained in class but also stimulate critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By physically manipulating models or conducting experiments, students are more likely to remember the biological concepts because they associate them with tangible experiences. This method of active learning through material interaction has been shown to yield greater retention rates than passive learning techniques such as reading from textbooks or listening to lectures alone (Oladipo & Adebayo, 2019).

Moreover, instructional materials serve as an essential tool for accommodating diverse learning styles, ensuring that all students, regardless of their preferred learning method, can benefit from the lesson. According to the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, providing multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression through varied instructional materials helps cater to the different ways in which students process information (Rose & Meyer, 2002). For instance, while some students may prefer visual representations like diagrams or videos, others may benefit from kinesthetic activities such as group discussions or hands-on experiments. This differentiation in teaching methods ensures that all students have an opportunity to succeed and retain information, thus improving the overall achievement levels in biology (Akpan & Umoren, 2017).

Despite the recognized benefits of instructional materials, some challenges persist in their effective integration into the biology curriculum. Studies have highlighted barriers such as insufficient resources, lack of teacher training, and limited access to technology in many schools (Eze & Nwosu, 2020). These challenges often hinder the full potential of instructional materials in promoting both achievement and retention. To overcome these barriers, it is crucial for educational policymakers to invest in the development of resources and training programs that support teachers in integrating instructional materials effectively into their lessons. By addressing these challenges, the potential for instructional materials to positively impact students’ biology learning outcomes can be fully realized (Oladipo & Adebayo, 2019).

• Statement of the Problem

In secondary schools, biology is a subject that presents challenges for both teachers and students due to its complex and abstract concepts. Topics such as genetics, cell biology, and ecological systems require not only theoretical knowledge but also practical understanding. Traditional methods of teaching biology, which often rely heavily on lectures and textbook-based instruction, have been found to be less effective in helping students achieve a high level of understanding and long-term retention of the concepts. This problem is compounded by the fact that many students struggle to grasp these concepts without concrete representations or experiential learning. Therefore, the need to explore the role of instructional materials in enhancing both achievement and retention in biology has become a critical area of concern.

Instructional materials such as visual aids, models, diagrams, and multimedia tools are widely believed to improve the quality of teaching and learning by making abstract concepts more concrete and accessible. However, there remains a significant gap in understanding the extent to which the use of these materials directly impacts students’ academic performance and their ability to retain biology concepts over time. While numerous studies have examined the use of instructional materials in various subjects, there is limited research focused specifically on the impact of these materials in secondary school biology education. This lack of targeted research presents a gap that needs to be addressed to inform effective teaching practices in biology.

In many secondary schools, the use of instructional materials remains inconsistent, with some schools having access to a wide range of resources, while others have limited or no access to materials beyond traditional textbooks. The disparity in resource availability raises questions about how the lack of proper instructional materials affects student achievement and retention in biology. In schools where resources are scarce, students may not be able to visualize or interact with biological concepts in ways that would enhance their understanding. Furthermore, teachers may not be adequately trained in how to effectively integrate these materials into their teaching methods, leading to underutilization of available resources and limiting their impact on students’ learning outcomes.

The lack of effective teaching strategies that incorporate instructional materials is another problem contributing to suboptimal academic achievement and retention in biology. Even when instructional materials are available, they are often not used to their full potential. For example, teachers may not incorporate visual aids or interactive tools during lessons, opting for traditional lecture methods instead. This could result in students becoming disengaged or failing to make meaningful connections with the subject matter. As a result, students may only demonstrate short-term improvement in their test scores, with little to no long-term retention of key biological concepts. Consequently, the need to understand how the integration of instructional materials influences both achievement and retention becomes more pressing.

Another issue that needs to be addressed is the effect of instructional materials on diverse learning styles among students. Secondary school students have varying preferences and strengths when it comes to learning—some may excel with visual stimuli, while others learn better through hands-on activities or auditory explanations. Instructional materials, if chosen and used appropriately, have the potential to address these diverse needs and improve the overall learning experience. However, without adequate research into how instructional materials influence different learning styles in the context of biology, educators may miss opportunities to fully support their students’ learning and retention. This is particularly important in subjects like biology, where students must understand both conceptual and practical aspects of the content.

Finally, there is a need to investigate how the integration of instructional materials impacts not only academic achievement but also the retention of concepts over time. Biology education, particularly in secondary school, should not only aim for short-term improvements in test scores but also foster a long-term understanding of biological principles. Without a focus on retention, students may perform well in assessments but fail to retain the knowledge needed for future application in advanced studies or in real-world contexts. Therefore, this study seeks to explore the effectiveness of instructional materials in promoting both the achievement and long-term retention of biological concepts, aiming to provide insights that can inform more effective teaching strategies and educational policies.

1.3. Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine the effects of Instructional material on the achievement and retention of Biology concepts among Secondary School Students. The specific objectives are:

1. To assess the impact of using specific instructional materials on the academic performance of secondary school students in Biology.
2. To determine the level of retention of Biology concepts among students exposed to different types of instructional materials.
3. To compare the achievement levels of students who received traditional teaching methods with those who received enhanced instructional materials.
4. To identify the most effective instructional materials for improving student understanding and retention of Biology concepts.

 

1.4. Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What is the impact of using specific instructional materials on the academic performance of secondary school students in Biology?
2. How does the level of retention of Biology concepts differ among students exposed to different types of instructional materials?
3. What are the differences in achievement levels between students who received traditional teaching methods and those who received enhanced instructional materials?
4. Which instructional materials are most effective for improving student understanding and retention of Biology concepts?

 

1.5. Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Instructional materials is not effective in improving student understanding and retention of Biology concepts

H1: Instructional materials is effective in improving student understanding and retention of Biology concepts

1.6. Significance of the Study

This study is significant as it aims to address a critical gap in the understanding of how instructional materials can enhance the learning of biology concepts among secondary school students. The findings of this research will contribute to the ongoing discourse on educational best practices, particularly in science education. Biology, as a subject rich in abstract concepts and real-world applications, presents unique challenges for students. By exploring the effects of instructional materials on both achievement and retention, this study will provide evidence on how these tools can make biology more accessible and engaging, ultimately leading to improved academic outcomes. The results can inform educators and policymakers on the importance of integrating diverse instructional materials into biology lessons to enhance the overall quality of science education.

Another key significance of this study lies in its potential to bridge the resource disparity across secondary schools. In many educational settings, there is an uneven distribution of instructional materials, which can have a profound impact on the quality of learning experiences available to students. By identifying the specific role that instructional materials play in enhancing achievement and retention, this research could advocate for better resource allocation in schools. This would be especially valuable for schools with limited access to modern teaching tools, as it will highlight the importance of investing in instructional materials to improve students’ understanding of biology. Consequently, the findings could guide educational leaders in making more informed decisions regarding curriculum development and resource distribution.

Additionally, the study holds significance for improving teacher training and professional development. Teachers are often at the forefront of implementing instructional materials in the classroom, yet many may not possess the skills or knowledge to fully utilize them. This study will provide insights into the types of materials most beneficial for teaching biology concepts and the strategies for effectively integrating them into lesson plans. By examining how different materials contribute to students’ achievement and retention, the study can inform teacher training programs, equipping educators with the tools and techniques necessary for maximizing the potential of instructional materials. This, in turn, will lead to more effective teaching practices that support student success in biology.

Furthermore, this research is significant in addressing the diverse learning needs of secondary school students. As learners come with varied preferences and learning styles, the use of instructional materials can cater to these differences, fostering an inclusive learning environment. By exploring how materials like visual aids, interactive tools, and models impact students’ ability to understand and retain biological concepts, the study will emphasize the importance of differentiated instruction. This approach can significantly benefit students who may struggle with traditional lecture-based teaching methods. Therefore, the research will underscore the need for adaptive teaching strategies that take into account the diverse cognitive and learning needs of students, ensuring that all learners have an equal opportunity to succeed in biology.

Another important significance of this study lies in its contribution to the broader field of educational psychology. Understanding how instructional materials impact the retention of knowledge is crucial in the context of cognitive development and memory retention theories. The study will provide valuable insights into the cognitive processes involved in learning biology, shedding light on how students retain complex scientific concepts over time. This knowledge can be applied not only to biology but to other subjects, making the research relevant for educators across disciplines. By exploring the link between instructional materials and retention, this study will contribute to the development of strategies that promote long-term learning and reduce the rate of forgetfulness, which is often a concern in traditional education systems.

Finally, the findings of this study could have broader implications for curriculum design and policy development at the national or regional levels. If the study confirms that instructional materials have a significant impact on student achievement and retention, it could serve as a basis for revising the biology curriculum to incorporate more hands-on, interactive, and diverse learning resources. Policymakers can use the research findings to advocate for educational reforms that prioritize the integration of instructional materials, ensuring that students are better prepared for both academic and real-world applications of biological knowledge. In this way, the study could play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of secondary school biology education, promoting a more holistic and effective approach to science teaching.

1.7. Scope of the Study

The study examines the effects of Instructional material on the achievement and retention of Biology concepts among Secondary School Students. The study is limited to selected Secondary Schools in Ikorodu, Lagos.

 

1.8. Operational Definition of Terms

  Effects: In the context of this study, “effects” refer to the outcomes or consequences resulting from the use of instructional materials in the teaching and learning process. These outcomes can be both positive and negative, including changes in students’ academic performance, engagement, understanding, and long-term retention of biological concepts.

  Instructional Material: Instructional materials are the tools, resources, and media used by educators to facilitate learning. These can include textbooks, visual aids (like diagrams and charts), models, multimedia resources (such as videos or interactive software), and laboratory equipment. Instructional materials aim to enhance the learning experience by making complex concepts easier to understand and more engaging for students.

  Achievement: Achievement refers to the level of success or accomplishment that a student attains in learning or completing academic tasks. In this study, it specifically refers to students’ performance in biology, measured through their understanding of concepts, their ability to apply knowledge, and their results in assessments or exams related to biology.

  Retention: Retention refers to the ability of students to remember and recall learned information over time. In the context of this study, retention focuses on how well students can retain biological concepts and principles after the initial learning period, indicating how long-lasting their understanding of the subject matter is.

  Biology Concepts: Biology concepts are the fundamental ideas, principles, and theories that form the foundation of the subject of biology. These include topics such as cell structure, genetics, ecology, evolution, human anatomy, and biochemistry. Understanding biology concepts is essential for comprehending the workings of living organisms and their environments.

  Secondary School: A secondary school is an educational institution that provides the next level of schooling after primary school and before higher education. In many countries, secondary schools cater to students aged 12 to 18, and in this context, it refers to the schools where students typically learn subjects like biology as part of their curriculum.

  Students: Students refer to individuals enrolled in educational institutions, specifically those who are in secondary school in the context of this study. In this case, students are young learners studying biology as part of their academic curriculum. These students are expected to engage with various instructional methods and materials to understand and retain biological concepts effectively.

Project – The effects of Instructional material on the achievement and retention of Biology concepts among Secondary School Students