Faculty of Education and Resources Development (FERED)

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Browsing Faculty of Education and Resources Development (FERED) by Author "GEOFFREY DANIEL MURITHI"

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    CULTURAL ARTEFACTS AND BIOLOGY INSTRUCTION IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN MERU SOUTH SUB-COUNTY, THARAKA- NITHI COUNTY, KENYA
    (Chuka University, 2023-10) GEOFFREY DANIEL MURITHI
    Biology education in Kenya has been characterized by persistent poor performance in national examinations. This has resulted in a majority of students transiting the secondary school cycle being locked out of courses that require above average performance in the subject. The persistent poor performance in Biology is attributed to a number of reasons such as adoption of inappropriate teaching approaches. One of the reasons advanced for adoption of such approaches has been lack of adequate and appropriate teaching and learning resources due to limited financial resources in most public schools. In the absence of adequate resources, Biology teachers have been encouraged to use community resources within their surrounding including cultural artefacts for instructional purposes. To date however, minimal empirical literature specific to types, frequency as well as influence of use of cultural artefacts on Biology instruction exist. This study therefore sought to address the existing knowledge gap by assessing the types, frequency and influence of cultural artefacts on Biology instruction with a specific focus on public secondary schools in Meru south sub-county. It also sought to establish the challenges that Biology teachers face when using cultural artefacts. The study was based on Constructivist learning theory and socio-cultural theory. It applied a descriptive survey research design which incorporated both qualitative and quantitative approach. The target population was heads of Biology subject, Biology teachers and forms four Biology students in public secondary schools in the Sub County with a population of 4192. The sample size of 351 respondents was determined using the sample table developed by Krejcie and Morgan. Data collection instruments were a questionnaire with closed ended questions covering the study objectives for form four Biology students and their Biology teachers as well as interview schedule for heads of Biology subject. Face, content and construct validity of the instrument was ascertained to ensure that the instruments met the required threshold with the help of the supervisors. Reliability of the instruments was assessed using Cronbach’s Alpha from the pilot data obtained from selected schools in Maara Sub-County, reliability coefficient of the variables ranging between 0.685 and 0.928 which was considered to be within the 0.7 acceptable threshold. Data obtained was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26 computer software. The study findings showed that bones from skeletons of animals, beads and necklaces, wood carvings and skins, stones, mud huts, clay pots, baskets and basketry, music instruments and iron metal are some of the cultural artefacts used in Biology instruction in varying degree. The study also illustrated that use of cultural artefacts positively and significantly influences Biology instruction even though inadequacy of cultural artefacts, negative cultural beliefs and myths associated with use of some artefacts and difficulties to relate some artefacts with biological concepts continue to limit use of the artefacts in Biology instruction. It is therefore recommended that Biology teachers be encouraged to enhance the use of artefacts in instruction as well as teachers and students to be sensitized on the positive outcomes of using the artefacts as instructional materials.