AN EXAMINATION OF THE IMPACT OF FIELD TRIP STUDIES ON STUDENTS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN BIOLOGY

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1   Background Of Study

Field trips are an important part of standards-based classroom instruction; they are not a distinct activity, but rather a natural extension of classroom instruction. According to Awotua-Efebo (2009), field work is a type of instructional medium used today, because an instructional medium is "anything (materials and equipment) that enables the teacher to communicate his or her ideas effectively to the students, such that at the conclusion of the instruction, the student can do what the teacher stated in the objectives." Real things (specimens, models, trips, field work, etc. ), projected or non-projected pictures, prints or non-prints, etc.

Essentially, a biology field trip is seen as a supplement to successful teaching, not as the focal point. Awotua-Efebo (2009) claimed that the goal should be successful teaching, which she described as "getting the material (message) over in a teaching that accomplishes the targeted objectives." Additionally, he stated that if, at the conclusion of instruction, the student accomplishes what the teacher desired via the assessment process, then successful teaching occurred.

Additionally, secondary school biology field trips were supposed to increase student learning experiences by engagement with resource persons and the natural environment. These centers were intended to offer more reliable sources of information than the school, particularly given that learning outside the classroom strives to guarantee that all young people have access to high-quality outdoor learning activities (James, 2015). Additionally, it aimed to boost academic performance, build skills, and foster interdependence in a growing variety of situations, while also allowing for the acceptance of appropriate degrees of risk. However, many critics and observers have said that the whole process is a sham and a waste of time and energy that does little to improve students' performance in Biology. Rickinson (2004), on the other hand, said that field trips may result in life-changing choices. It may assist in broadening horizons, both physically and educationally, and provides an excellent opportunity for personal growth, including the development of independence, self-esteem, self-confidence, and teamwork. These potentially life-changing prospects for biologists must be recognized and fostered. While attention is frequently focused on pressures and demands, field activities can be extremely effective at fostering mutual understanding between teachers and students, thereby increasing the effectiveness of learning and providing motivation that transfers or persists after the field experience. S. Hillcox (2003). With this in mind, this research will examine the effect of field trip studies on students' academic performance in biology.

1.2   Statement Of The Problem

A field trip is a critical component of learning since it bolsters the effectiveness of teaching and learning processes. At times, this part of teaching may be ineffective owing to a lack of resources directed in that way, since it requires significant financing (Helomu, 2016). It's possible that the majority of biology teachers have no idea where to take their students on a trip. Finally, although several research have been conducted on the impact of field trips on biology students, not a single study has been conducted on the influence of field trips on the performance of biology students in Aba, Abia state. As a result, this research fills the gap.

1.3 Objectives Of The Study

The overall aim of this study is to critically examine the impact of field trip studies on students academic performance in biology. Hence, the study will be channeled to the following specific objectives;

1.        Ascertain whether field trip helps to enhance students comprehension of biology subject in secondary schools.

2.        Ascertain whether field trip ignites students interest in biology subject in secondary schools.

3.        Ascertain whether field trip improves students’ academic performance in biology subject in secondary schools.

1.4 Research Questions

This study will be guided by the following questions;

1)        Does field trip help to enhance students comprehension of biology subject in secondary schools?

2)        Does field trip ignites students interest in biology subject in secondary schools?

3)        Does field trip improve students’ academic performance in biology subject in secondary schools?

1.5 Significance Of The Study

The study on the impact of field trip studies on students academic performance in biology in the sense that it will enable the government to fund field trip so as to enable the students learn since biology is more practical than theory; more also since students cannot easily forget the things they see, (take for instance “movie”)such that they can tell you from the beginning to the end without forgetting anything the same thing applies to theory in class and field trip which will encourage and help them learn. The study will also enable the government in recruiting and also train effective biology teachers. Finally, the study will contribute to the body of existing literature and knowledge to this field of study and basis for further research.

1.6 Scope Of The Study

This study is structured to generally examine the impact of field trip studies on students academic performance in biology. However, the study will further ascertain whether field trip helps to enhance students comprehension of biology subject in secondary schools, ascertain whether field trip ignites students interest in biology subject in secondary schools, and ascertain whether field trip improves students’ academic performance in biology subject in secondary schools.

The study will therefore be delimited to some senior secondary schools in Aba, Abia State.

1.7 Limitation Of The Study

Like in every human endeavour, the researcher encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection, which is why the researcher resorted to a limited choice of sample size. More so, the researcher simultaneously engaged in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

1.8   Definition Of Terms

Impact/Effect: A change which is a result or consequence of an action or other cause.

Field Trip: Or excursion is a journey by a group of people to a place away from their normal environment.

Performance/Achievement: A thing done successfully with effort, skill, or courage.

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