Influence of teaching and learning resources on the students' performance in U.A.C.E biology in Wakiso District

Abstract

Teaching and learning resources (TLR) are instructional materials which teachers use in teaching and learning process of their learners. The effective use of these instructional materials improves students’ academic performance by easing, encouraging, improving and promoting teaching and learning activities in the subject. Biology is one of the poorly performed science subjects not only in Wakiso but also in Uganda generally. Therefore, the use of these instructional materials can have a great impact towards the learners’ performance of A’ level biology. Thus, this study sought to understand how these TLR influence the performance of Biology at A’ Level in Wakiso District by specifically looking at the availability of the human resource, the availability of the laboratories and equipment and the teaching and learning resources in the schools which teachers use to disseminate knowledge. A cross-sectional survey was done in five best, five good and five poor best performing schools in Wakiso District and comparing their results. Questionnaires were used to collect data from respondents namely; the students, biology teachers and the heads of departments of biology that was later used for analysis. We found that, availability of textbooks, revision books, lab chemicals and equipment was higher in the best performing schools than in the good and poor performing schools. Most teachers in the best performing schools were full time teachers compared to those in those in the good and poor performing schools. The textbooks were the most used instructional materials in all schools, and the internet and ICT integration was less embraced in the teaching of biology in all schools. Almost all the schools had the laboratories run by the lab technicians. However, few students accessed the laboratory any time. Students appreciate the relevance of these TLR as they help them to gather enough information that helps them to answer many questions; They demonstrate the actual thing the teacher is explaining, They elaborate then notes and widen the explanations given; They enable us to make research and get more information about a certain concept in the textbook that may not be well explained or expressed in the textbook. Some of the challenges that were faced by students with the use of instructional materials include some of the TLR are complex and inconvenient; some are bulky while others are summarized; some teachers are also fast. Many teachers expressed their concerns towards the need for the government to provide the instructional materials to these schools to improve in the performance of Biology at U.A.C.E especially the laboratory apparatus and chemicals used during the practicals and also the Schools should ensure adequate supply of teaching and learning materials to foster learning of students