Evaluation of the Accessibility and Application of Biology Laboratory Resources in Senior Secondary Schools in Kwara State

Abstract

Biology is one of the science subjects, taught with laboratory resources like specimens, apparatus, and equipment. Teaching the subject is faced with many challenges among which are unavailability and consequently low utilization of the biology laboratory resources. This study investigated the accessibility and application of biology laboratory resources used in senior secondary schools in Kwara State, Nigeria. The study adopted a quantitative descriptive survey design and the population was 257 biology teachers sampled through a multistage sampling techniques, the study employed the Laboratory Rating Scale Questionnaire (LARSQ) as the instrument for data collection. Descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, means and standard deviations were used to answer the research questions, while inferential statistics (t-test and ANOVA) were employed to test hypotheses at the 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that majority of the laboratory resources were accessible to some extent, but its application rate was low. Significant differences were observed in teachers’ views on laboratory resources based on school location. The study concludes that inconsistent accessibility and application of some laboratory resources may continue to hinder effective teaching of biology in Nigerian schools. Recommendations were made for improved provision, training, and monitoring of laboratory practices to enhance students’ academic performance.