Ijeoma A. Amaefuna

Purpose of the study: This study aims to develop booklet-based learning media for the 11th grade Biology subject, as well as to measure the level of validity and effectiveness of the media in improving the learning of Biology for 11th grade students. Methodology: This study uses a development research method with a 4-D approach (define, design, development, disseminate). The subjects of the study were students of class 11 MIA I at Islamic high school Madani Pao-Pao (24 students) and State Islamic High School 1 Makassar (35 students). Data collection techniques were through observation, interviews, and documents. Data were analyzed qualitatively with descriptive presentation. Main Findings: The results of the study showed that the developed booklet-based learning media received validation with an average of 3.5, which means it is very valid. Field trials at Islamic high school Madani Pao-Pao and State Islamic High School 1 Makassar showed that this media was effective, with an average implementation value of 3.6 and 3.1, which were included in the good and very good categories. Positive responses from teachers and students stated that booklets helped increase learning motivation and facilitated understanding of the material. Novelty/Originality of this study: The novelty of this research lies in the development of booklet-based learning media that integrates material summaries with relevant images and quizzes to train students' critical thinking skills. This media is also designed to increase learning motivation through an attractive and practical display, and is adjusted to the curriculum and needs of Islamic high school students.

A major goal of science education is fostering students’ intellectual competencies such as independent learning, problem-solving, decision-making and critical thinking. This goal can only be achieved when students are actively involved in the teaching-learning process through activity-based, practical-oriented instructional methods involving the use of laboratories. This study therefore, investigated the extent to which the biology teachers employ activity-oriented, laboratory/practical instructional methods in order to improve the learning outcome of their students. The descriptive survey involved 73 Biology teachers randomly selected from all the six education zones of Anambra state, Nigeria. Four research questions were posed and four hypotheses were formulated to guide the conduct of the study. A 32-item structured questionnaire which has reliability co-efficient of 0.82 was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation and t-tests. Results show that Biology teachers adopt practical-oriented strategies in teaching biology, conduct practical activities to a high extent, and perceive practical exercises as essential to effective teaching and learning of the subject. Provision of adequate number of laboratory materials, employment of adequate number of biology teachers, making provision for well designed laboratory activities in the curriculum and training of teachers on how to effectively combine theory with practical are some of the strategies that will encourage biology teachers to conduct practical lessons. There was no significant difference between male and female biology teachers in their responses to the different aspects investigated. Based on these findings, some recommendations were made that include that curriculum designers should incorporate guides for practical activities that go with each topic in the curriculum so as to encourage the teachers to teach theory with practical as a unified whole to increase students’ understanding and internalization of the facts and ideas taught.