The role of activity method in teaching and learning of classification of Organisms

Abstract

The research aimed to determine the effectiveness of the activity method in enhancing students’ understanding of classification concepts, as well as to explore their perceptions of this teaching approach. The study was conducted at Queen of Peace senior High School in Nadowli. A case study action research design was employed involving a sample of 46 students. The primary data collection instruments were questionnaires, a student achievement test, and interviews. The statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse the questionnaires. The study established that the acquisition of practical skills by students is facilitated by engaging students in hands-on activities and project work. The study further established that the activity method of teaching is more appropriate for the conceptual understanding of classification of organisms and biology at large. The activity method of teaching was found to be an efficient way to teach and understand science, particularly biology, and should be used by biology teachers as it makes all students participate actively during teaching and learning. Although both teachers and students have positive attitudes towards the activity method of teaching, it does not mean that this necessarily translates into action in the studied area. It is recommended that further studies be carried out to find out the challenges that teachers face in teaching the concept classification of organisms in biology.