Improving the performance of S.H.S 2 biology students of Adeiso Senior High School in the teaching of photosynthesis through the use of activity method of teaching

Abstract

The study aimed at enhancing the performance of S.H.S 2 Biology students of Adeiso Presbyterian Secondary School at Adeiso in the Eastern Region of Ghana in photosynthesis. During the study two classes were taken, with one class numbering up to 52 students comprising of 36 boys and 16 girls and the other class numbering 47 with 21 boys and 26 girls. The total sample size of the two classes was 99. In the selection of the sample for the research, random sampling was used by the researcher. The activity methods of demonstration and grouping methods were used in the collection of data. The data collected were analyzed. The study revealed that teaching students with demonstration and grouping methods enhances the performance of students. Other methods like seminars and science clubs plays important roles in enhancing or improving students’ performance. The kind of activity used during the demonstration was based on the constructivism theory, which work was started by Jean Piaget. This theory describes learning as actively constructed by one’s own knowledge. The theory lays emphasis on learning and knowledge as interactive and dynamic. In carrying out the demonstration based on the constructivism theory researcher used, experimentation, Research projects, films and class discussion, fieldtrips and debates and quizzes. In assessing the students, the tools used were the pre-intervention class test was used after which the researcher compared students performance on the pre-intervention and post intervention to see whether students performance was actually enhanced. For instance in the pre-intervention test conducted by the researcher, 27 students out of 99 representing 27.3% scored marks within 1-5. After the intervention was carried out, the percentage University of Education,Winneba http://ir.uew.edu.gh xii reduced from 27.3% to 4%. Marks within the range of 28-30 numbered 7 when the pre intervention test was carried out. After intervention was carried out, the number of students who scored marks in that range increased from 7 students to 28 students. These results shows that the intervention carried out by researcher yielded the desired results.