The Problems Of Teaching And Learning Genetics In Secondary Schools In Enugu South Local Government Area Of Enugu State
Ezechi Nnenna Grace Ph.D
THE PROBLEMS OF TEACHING AND LEARNING GENETICS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ENUGU SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ENUGU STATE
Keywords: Problems of Teaching and Learning, Learning Genetics, Enugu State
Abstract
The research work is on problems of teaching and learning of genetics. The area of study is Enugu south local Government Area. The sample size of the study was one hundred (100) respondents. A structured questionnaire consisting of 20 items based on the research questions was used for data collection. The instrument was submitted to three experts, two lecturers in the Department of Biology Education and one lecturer in measurement and evaluation all form Enugu State College of Education (Technical), Enugu. Advice, criticisms, re-arrangements and corrections given by these experts were considered in producing the final copy of the instrument. The test-retest reliability method was adopted by the researcher. The correlation coefficient obtained using the Crombach methods of estimating reliability was 0.71. This indicates that the research instrument was of a high level. Mean was used to answer the research questions. The findings revealed that the areas of genetics teachers and students find difficult teach and learn are structure of DNA and RNA, genetic crossing among others. Nature of difficulty teachers and students experience in genetics include lack of teaching aids, lack of qualified teachers among others. Causes of teaching and learning difficulties include method of teaching used by the teacher; and inadequate time allotted for teaching of genetics among others. The researcher recommended among others that teachers should be encouraged to attend conferences, seminars and workshops. This will help them to learn new things, methods and acquire new skills in teaching difficult genetic concepts.