EFFECT OF EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING STRATEGY ON BIOLOGY STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN DUTSIN-MA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KATSINA STATE

OKUAKAJI, Michelle Mmaezi & Dr. IBRAHIM Sukolatambaya

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of experiential learning strategy on biology students’ academic achievement in Dutsin-Ma L.G.A. of Katsina State. The study employed a quasi-experimental research design. The population for the study comprised 718 Senior Secondary II biology students. Simple random sampling technique was used in selecting two schools in Dutsin-Ma LGA. Two intact classes were selected from the two schools. One intact class represented the experimental group (N=38) while the other intact class represented the control group (N=31.)The experimental group was taught using experiential Learning Strategy while the control group was exposed to traditional lecture method of teaching. The instrument for data collection was Biology Achievement Test (BAT) validated by experts with reliability coefficient of 0.63. The data was analyzed using mean, standard deviation and t-test. The result revealed that the Experiential Learning Strategy is superior to the traditional Lecture method in facilitating student’s achievement in biology. The study also revealed that males showed higher achievement than females, and the difference in the mean achievement was statistically significant. The researcher recommended that experiential Learning strategy be adopted in senior secondary schools because it enhances academic achievement.