Conceptual Change Model as a Catalysts for Intellectual Transformation of Biology Students Academic Achievement and Retention in Genetics concept Among Secondary Schools Students in Dawakin Kudu Zone, Kano State, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study investigates the Effects of Conceptual Change Model Strategy on Academic Achievement and Retention of the Concepts of Genetics among Secondary School Students in Dawkins Kudu Zone, Kano state, Nigeria. Using quasi-experimental of the pretest-posttest and post post-test non-equivalent control group design. Data were collected from the population of 2,389 SS III students in the 12 public co-educational secondary schools in the area with 975 males and 1,432 females using Simple random sampling technique. Two objectives, two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. Genetics Achievements Test (GAT) was used for Data collection and it was validated by experts from science and technology education department from Bayero university kano. Pilot study was conducted using Test-retest method to ascertain the reliability coefficient of the instrument which yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.81when analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). The instrument was found reliable for data collection. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics (Mean and Standard Deviation) for the research questions and inferential statistics (One-Way Analysis of Covariance) for the null hypotheses at p ≤ .05 significant level. The findings revealed that the experimental group, taught using Conceptual change model strategy, performed significantly better than the control group, which was taught using conventional methods. The study’s major contribution to knowledge is that the strategy significantly improves students’ academic achievement and retention. Hence, it was recommended that teachers should switch from conventional teaching methods to CCTS and should be retrained on the appropriate skills and models of the strategy to enhance students’ academic achievement and retention.