Students’ Perceived Quality of Biology Curriculum Implementation Practices Among Public Secondary Schools in Lokoja Metropolis, Kogi State

Abstract

Curriculum implementation is a core and most significant event in educational system as it determines the achievement of educational goals, and by extension, the national development. Nigeria is one of those nations with huge achievements over decades in educational investments. However, research indicates some gaps that need more attention in order to enhance smooth curriculum delivery in learning institutions across the state. This study adopted a descriptive survey research design, adapting Stuff Lebam’s CIPP Model to evaluate the implementation of the Biology Curriculum among Public Secondary Schools in Lokoja Metropolis of Kogi State, Nigeria. The population comprised 3,943 Biology students drawn from eleven (11) secondary schools. Using a random sampling technique, a sample of 346 Biology students was randomly selected to ensure equal representation of all respondents. Biology Curriculum Evaluation Questionnaire (BCEQ) which was validated by experts and was found reliable using Cronbach Alpha formula, and 0.872 coefficient was obtained. Data was analyzed using mean, standard deviation and MannWhitney U-test respectively.The findings of the study Revealed that Biology curriculum objectives are rich and relevant to students' needs in secondary schools in Lokoja Metropolis (Grand Mean=4.22, SD=0.67). Biology students agreed that resources necessary for the effective implementation of Biology curriculum in Secondary schools in Lokoja metropolis are available and adequate, with a (Grand Mean= 4.23, SD=0.66). findings of the study further revealed that, Biology students agree that the teaching methods are poorly applied in the biology curriculum implementation in secondary schools in Lokoja Metropolis (Grand Mean=1.51, SD=0.52). Biology students agreed that inactive participation, infrastructural inadequacy, poor implementation of practical contents, cultural bias of Biology curriculum, negative attitudes among teachers (Grand Mean= 3.06, SD=0.14). It was recommended among others that Biology teachers should be encouraged and trained on innovative teaching pedagogies as to meet up with the 21 century demands in secondary schools in Lokoja metropolis, Kogi State