THE INFLUENCE OF TEACHING FACILITIES AMONG SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS STUDENTS IN TEACHING BIOLOGY IN KATSINA METROPOLIS

This study examined the Influence of Teaching Facilities on Academic Performance of Senior Secondary School Students in Biology in Katsina Metropolis. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, guided by three research questions, objectives, and hypotheses. The population comprised 12,464 senior secondary school students, with a sample size of 321 students selected for the study. A structured questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection. The findings revealed no significant influence of teaching facilities on the academic performance of senior secondary school students in Biology. Additionally, there was no significant difference between the use of available materials and improvised materials on academic performance. Similarly, no significant differences were found between the use of models, diagrams, practical activities, and laboratory facilities in influencing students’ academic performance in Biology. All four null hypotheses were tested and retained. The study recommended increased use of practical work in teaching and learning Biology in Katsina public secondary schools. This includes intensive in-service training for Biology teachers to enhance their skills in practical work management and to integrate the latest research into their teaching practices. Furthermore, preservice teacher training should focus on equipping new teachers with basic and advanced science process skills, enabling them to confidently incorporate practical activities in teaching Biology and other sciences. Teacher training colleges should also emphasize the use of hand tools to help teachers improvise instructional materials when necessary.