INVESTIGATING THE EFFECT OF HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES AND LECTURE METHOD ON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF BIOLOGY STUDENTS

Hands-on activities is a practical method or activity-based learning which help students with different learning styles. The lecture method mostly helps auditory learners, while hands-on helps kinaesthetic and visual learners as well. The study investigated the effect of hands-on activities and lecture method on academic achievement of Biology students. The study employed quasi-experimental research design involving pre-test and post-test. A total of two hundred (200) students, which cut across Senior Secondary School One (SSS 1) Biology students in public secondary schools in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state. The main instrument used in this study was the Biology Achievement Test (BAT). Descriptive statistics, T-test, Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) and multiple regression were the statistical tools used in analyzing the data generated. Findings revealed that the levels of students’ academic achievement (pre-test and post-test) were low. There was no significant difference in the levels of students’ academic achievement based on gender. Students taught with lecture method had higher post-test scores than those taught with hands-on activities, while pre-test scores showed no significant difference. Students exposed to the lecture method had higher mean scores than those taught through hands-on activities. In conclusion, the study showed that students' academic achievement in Biology was low, not affected by gender, and can be improved through hands-on teaching strategies. Also, hands activities can provide short-term benefits, but lecture method remain useful for deeper engagement. Also, the lecture method remains effective for delivering structured, theoretical content, ensuring clarity, and maintaining focus in learning. It was therefore recommended that teachers should integrate lecture methods strategically with student-centered activities to ensure comprehensive learning that balances theory and practice. Curriculum developers and school administrators should provide continuous teacher training on combining lecture delivery with interactive instructional strategies for improved learning outcomes.