Establishing effectiveness of using simulations in teaching of biology in Uganda

Abstract

The traditional methods of teaching biology in both practical and theoretical sessions for example the lecture method, illustrations and hands-on activities for practical have indeed registered some success. However, some aspects of biology like cell division, DNA replication, protein synthesis, digestion, and many others, have been inappropriately delivered and mastered with such methods, which often leads to a lot of cram work among students. To address this, the traditional methods of teaching and learning have to be supplemented with the use of simulations to attain the 21st century needs. Lack of information and skills about simulations in teaching biology, backed up by the desire for negative attitudes are the great concerns of this review. To the best of the researchers’ knowledge, little has been documented about the use of simulations and its effectiveness in the teaching of Biology in the resource constrained context of Uganda. This study seeks to establish the effectiveness of using simulations in the teaching of Biology in Uganda, and the way forward to challenges that have limited its application in the country.