TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION ............................................................................................................. i
APPROVAL ................................................................................................................... ii
DEDICATION ............................................................................................................... iii
ACKNOWLEDMENT ................................................................................................... iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................ v
CHAPTER ONE ............................................................................................................. 1
1.0 Overview ............................................................................................................... !
1.1 Background to the Study ........................................................................................ 1
1.2 Statement of the Problem ....................................................................................... 2
1.3 Purpose of the Study .............................................................................................. 2
1.4 Objectives ofthe Study ......................................................................................... 2
1.5 Research Questions ............................................................................................ 2
1.6 Scope of the Study ................................................................................................. 3
1. 7 Significance of the Study ....................................................................................... 3
CHAPTER TWO ............................................................................................................ 4
LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................................................ 4
2.0 Chapter overview .................................................................................................. 4
2.1 The impacts of teaching methods on students performance in biology ................... 4
2.2 Teaching methods used by biology teachers .......................................................... 6
CHAPTER THREE ....................................................................................................... 10
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY. .................................................................................. 10
3.0 Research Design .................................................................................................. 10
3.1 Population of Study ............................................................................................. 10
3.2 Study Sample and Sampling Procedure ................................................................ 10
3.3 Research instruments ........................................................................................... 10
3 .4 Research Procedure ............................................................................................. 1 0
v
3.5 Data Analysis and Interpretation .......................................................................... 10
CHAPTER FOUR ......................................................................................................... 12
4.0 DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION .......................................................... 12
4.0 Introduction ......................................................................................................... 12
4.1 Data analysis and processing ............................................................................... 12
4.2.1 Bio-data analysis for teachers ........................................................................... 13
4.2.2 Bio-data analysis of students ............................................................................. 14
4.3.0 Teachers analysis .............................................................................................. 15
4.4.0 Students analysis .............................................................................................. 17
CHAPTER FIVE .......................................................................................................... 19
DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ................................... 19
5.0. Chapter0verview ........................................................................................... 19
5.1 Discussions ...................................................................................................... 19
5.2. Conclusions .................................................................................................... 20
5.3. Recommendations .......................................................................................... 21
5.4 Suggestions for further research ....................................................................... 21
REFERENCES ......................................................................................................... 22
APPENDIX I ............................................................................................................ 24
QUESTIONNAIRE ................................................................................................... 24
CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION In this introductory chapter of the study, the researcher gives the context and theoretical background of Biology learning difficulties. The researcher proceeded to give the statement of the problem, the objectives and the research questions that would guide the scope of the study. The researcher explained the limitations and delimitations that affect the progress of the study. 1.1 Background to the Study Considering the contributions of science, and technology to today's world, one would have expected mounting interest in these disciplines, but the reverse seems to be the case. Indeed, there is declining enrolment in science subjects among the youth, and poor performance in examinations, such as those taken in high school sctence courses (especially biology) by the brave few who enroll (Fieldman, 1999). It is ironical that in our pro-science and technologically oriented world, the youth who would take charge of global affairs in the future - the running of industries and the means of production, research laboratories, space technology, and international politics - are shying away from the very subjects that should adequately prepare them for such roles. Improvement of the quality of education in Kenya has been a key feature of reform proposals of the government. These educational reforms largely focus on basic education, which in Kenya covers both primary and secondary education. Attempts towards realizing these proposals have been made in many ways.