Learning Biology helps learners to acquire requisite knowledge in understanding life processes for positive coexistence. In instances where learners appreciate the position of biology in life, they develop positive attitude and this is reflected in their performance. However, in Kenya, most students have continued to register poor performance in biology in national examinations and this has been attributed to negative attitude towards the sciences by most learners. To address this, changes in the educational curricula and teaching methods from the transmission curriculum to a transactional curriculum has been suggested. The changes imply adjustments in the instructional process to include learner centred activities. On the other hand, studies have shown that the attitude of learners towards changes influence the adoptability and workability of the introduced change. This study investigated attitude of learners towards the constructivist instructional approach. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey technique. Data was obtained from four boys', four girls', and four mixed secondary schools with a total of 477 students and were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicated that learners have positive attitude towards the constructivist instructional approach. Boys obtained a scores of (M=58.30; SD=9.15, N=150) while girls had a score of (M=53.14; SD=8.24, N=146). Based on this finding, it is recommended that instructors adopt the constructivist approach in learning so as to boost the attitude of students towards learning biology. It would also be appropriate for further investigations to be conducted in other fields of science such as chemistry and Physics so as to find out if the constructivist approach would also boost the attitude of students in such subjects. Finally, policy makers in the field of education in Kenya (The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology through the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD)) should come up with policies to ensure appropriate learning approaches which foster positive attitude towards learning.

Abstract:The purpose of this study was to find out the extent of integration of computer technology into teaching and learning Biology in secondary schools of Rachuonyo South Sub-County, Kenya. The target population consisted of students and biology teachers in the Sub-County. Data was collected by use of questionnaires and an observation check list. From the study, most schools had few computers; teachers had inadequate training on use of computer applications; most teachers did not use computer technology for personal growth and instructional purposes. Inadequate number of computers in the sampled schools was the major challenge facing the integration of computer technology into the instruction process. The study recommends increased accessibility of computers, adequate training on use of computer technology and development of a policy framework to guide on the path to effective computer integration into instruction process.

Learner achievement is influenced by the instructional methods adopted during the learning process. Different class categories and individual levels present varied learning contexts determining the application of a mixture of appropriate instructional methods, which can enhance knowledge retention and application. Available studies in Kenya have focused on the general achievement of students. This study examined the linkage between instructional methods and learning achievement in different class categories. The study design was quasi-experimental non-equivalent groups with a pre-test and a post-test. Primary data were obtained from four boys', four girls', and four mixed schools with a total of 477 students. Data were analyzed descriptively using mean and standard deviation values while t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were used to test for significance in difference between group means at α = 0.05 level. The study found out that learner achievement in the control This implies that learner achievement in girls' classes improves when the constructivist instructional approach is used. All the learners instructed through the constructivist approach registered marked improvement in achievement.We recommend that biology teachers, especially those in girls' secondary schools, should consider using the constructivist instructional methods for enhanced learner achievement. Further, investigations into constructivist learning using some other assessment strategies other than the 5Es (i.e., engagement, exploration, explanation, elaboration, and evaluation) instructional model as well as effects of constructivist instructional approaches in different study locations should be explored in other studies. Finally, we recommend that the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in Kenya through the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) come up with policies to guide the application of appropriate learning approaches for different classroom categories as applicable.

Constructivist teaching and learning approach is one of teaching approach gaining popularity based on its principles of learner centered education. This study investigated the effectiveness of constructivist method of instruction on learning biology and challenges facing its implementation in secondary school students. The study design was quasi-experimental non-equivalent groups with a post-test examination. A total sample participated in this study was 477 students and 12 teachers. The instruments used in this study were; constructivist instruction manual, post-test, attitude questionnaire, and teacher's questionnaire. The data collected was analyzed descriptively using mean and standard deviation values, while t-test and ANOVA were used to test the differences between group means at α=0.05 level. The study established that constructivist method of instruction was more effective in learning biology compared to conventional methods. Moreover, the both positive learner and negative teacher attitudes toward the application of constructivism was found as considerable as inadequate compulsory facilities in the implementation of constructivist learning approach. Thus, it is recommended to conduct deliberate programs in implementing constructivist learning approach in secondary schools in Kenya.