Project Abstract

Abstract
This study investigated the availability of local resources and their utilization in the teaching of Biology in secondary schools in Uruan Local Government Area. The research aimed to assess the extent to which local resources such as environmental materials, community experts, and local facilities are incorporated into the Biology curriculum in secondary schools. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining surveys, interviews, and classroom observations to collect data from Biology teachers, students, and school administrators. The findings revealed that there is a wide array of local resources available in the Uruan Local Government Area that could be utilized in the teaching of Biology. These resources include various plant and animal species, geological formations, water bodies, and experts in fields such as agriculture, forestry, and environmental science. However, the study also identified several challenges that hinder the effective utilization of these resources in Biology instruction, such as a lack of awareness among teachers, insufficient training on how to incorporate local resources into the curriculum, and limited support from educational authorities. Despite these challenges, the research highlighted some successful practices in the integration of local resources in Biology teaching. Some teachers have shown innovative approaches in using local examples and case studies to make the subject more relevant and engaging for students. Additionally, certain schools have established partnerships with local organizations and experts to provide students with hands-on experiences and real-world applications of Biology concepts. Based on the study's findings, several recommendations were made to enhance the utilization of local resources in Biology education. These include the development of guidelines and training programs for teachers on how to incorporate local resources into their lesson plans, fostering collaboration between schools and community stakeholders, and advocating for policy changes at the government level to prioritize the integration of local content in the curriculum. Overall, this research underscores the importance of leveraging local resources in Biology education to make the subject more meaningful and impactful for students. By tapping into the rich biodiversity and expertise present in the Uruan Local Government Area, educators can create immersive learning experiences that promote both academic achievement and environmental awareness among secondary school students.

Project Overview

INTRODUCTION

1.1   Background to the study

        It is widely accepted that education is one of the leading instruments for promoting economic development as it encompasses some processes individuals go through to help them develop and utilize their potentials. Okeke (2007) posit out that, through education, individuals acquire knowledge, skills and attitude that are necessary for effective living. This is the reason in all modern nations, investment in education of the youth is considered most vital. According to Onsomu (2006), secondary education is an important sub-sector of education in the preparation of human capital for development and provision of life opportunities as it provides a vital link between basic education and the world of work on one hand, and further training on the other hand. Furthermore, manifestations of quality education have to do with literary cognitive abilities, performance and progression to higher levels of learning.

        However, quality education cannot be achieved without local resources which play an important role in the achievement of educational goals and objectives. Local resources according to Usman (2007) are central to the educational progress because they play an important role in the achievement of educational goals and objective since they facilitate teachers work and accelerate learning on the parts of the students.

        Haluack (1990) emphasized that the availability of relevant local resources contributes to academic achievement of students. According to Kembui (1995) in a study of relationship between educational resources and students academic performance in Kenya noted a very strong positive relationship between local resources and academic performance of students. According to him, schools with more resources performed better than schools that are less endowed. This collaborated the findings of a study by Babayomi (1999) that private schools because of availability and adequacy of teaching and learning resources performed better than public schools.

        According to Patel (1986), shortage of local resources hindered effective utilization. This is supported by Njoroge (2000) in a study on factors affecting availability, acquisition and utilization of local resources in the teaching of Biology in selected secondary schools in Kenya found that unavailability of local resources hinders effective utilization. However, Kitheka (2005) noted that schools with abundant resources may not always utilize them efficiently and consequently fail to raise student’s level of performance. On the other hand, schools with limited resources may utilize what they have efficiently and this may boost learning thus students should be able to maximize and utilize available resources so as to adequately achieve educational objectives.

        Ngala (1997), noted that utilization of available local resources is more important than the quantity. This is supported by Cohen (2003) who points out that it is not making the resources available to schools that matters, but getting those local resources utilized by teachers and students to get academic content learned.

1.2   Statement of problem

 Since education system is dominated by examination oriented teaching whereby passing examination is the only bench mark for performance as there is no internal system of monitoring learning achievements within an educational cycle, performance in WAEC examination in Uruan L.G.A. has remained poor with majority of students scoring D7 in Biology and mathematics which are core subjects. This is a poor grade as it bars students form entry in to science-based degree and diploma courses. Even though many students done to determine factors influencing poor performance of students in WAEC examinations have indicated inadequate teaching learning resources, teaching style and others as the factors influencing the performance of students. This study was set to assess the Availability of Local Resources and utilization in the Teaching of Biology in secondary schools in Uruan Local Government Area.