Participation Skills in Biology Practical per Class Level in Lugari, Kakamega County, Kenya

Abstract

Practicals form an essential part of the biology curriculum in Secondary Schools. At the end of every four years of secondary schooling, students are tested on their proficiency in practical skills. But according to the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) reports over years, the practical paper is performed poorly. These reports also indicate that, some of the required skills are not taught yet the same skills are tested in the secondary biology practical examinations. This study investigated the participation skills in biology practical per class level in Lugari, Kakamega County, Kenya. The study was carried out in Lugari District with the aim of assessing the efficiency of the practical skills necessary for biology practical examination. A descriptive survey research design was used to assess students' participation, compare their participation at the implementation stage and to determine factors affecting participation at the implementation stage of biology practicals. The respondents were also categorized per class level. A random sample of 10 public schools was selected from which 300 students were proportionally selected. Questionnaires and observation schedules were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of the study reveal that most students of the higher class level reported that they had less than five practical lessons per term. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education (MOE) through Quality Assurance and Standards to enforce government education policy directives on learner participation in the teaching-learning process through inspection of school facilities necessary for proper practical learning to take place. This study further recommends that teachers adopt a heuristic approach in teaching to enable learners to develop skills. It is hoped that these recommendations shall be useful and shall form part of the guidelines for all stakeholders in education to improve learning of biology practicals.