ASSESSMENT OF AVAILABILITY AND UTILIZATION OF BIOLOGY LABORATORY MATERIALS IN SENIOR SCHOOLS IN ILORIN, NIGERIA
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Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Maddibo Adawa University International Journal of Educational foundation
Abstract
Biology is one of the science subjects where laboratory materials with the use of specimens, apparatus, equipment and safety were taught. These activities were faced with many challenges among which are the availability and effective utilization of the biology laboratory materials. This study investigated the availability and utilization of biology laboratory materials in senior secondary schools in Ilorin, Nigeria, two research questions were raised and two research hypotheses were tested at 0.05 alpha level of significance. The study adopted a quantitative descriptive survey type and 257 Biology teachers were sampled for the study using multistage sampling techniques, data were collected using the Laboratory Activities Rating Scale Questionnaire (LARSQ). Content and construct validity was done by three (3) experts. One (1) from the department of science education, department of plant Biology, University of Ilorin and one (1) experience secondary school Biology teacher respectively. A pilot study was also conducted using (20) Biology Teachers in different schools at the same time that was not participated in the research study. The data obtained was subjected to Cronbach Alpha test using the split half methods at a significant level of 0.05, then, Pearson’s Product-Moment Correlation was used to compare the two sets of scores and reliability index of 0.84, 0.81 and 0.87 was obtained respectively which measured the instrument to be reliable. Descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, means and standard deviations were used to answer the research questions, while inferential statistics (t-test and ANOVA) were employed to test hypotheses at the 0.05 significance level, Findings revealed that while laboratory materials were available to some extent, their utilization rate was low. Significant differences were observed in the teachers’ views on laboratory utilization based on gender, teaching experience, and academic qualification. The study concludes that inadequate utilization of laboratory resources continues to hinder effective teaching of biology in Nigerian schools. Study hereby recommends were made for improved provision, training, and monitoring of laboratory practices to enhance students’ academic performance.
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