Science process skills are central to the acquisition of scientific knowledge which is useful in solving problems in society. In Kenya, students' achievement in
This study investigated the effects of using the cooperative concept mapping (CCM) teaching approach on secondary school students_ motivation in biology. A non equivalent control group design under the quasi-experimental research was used in which a random sample of four co-educational secondary schools was used. The four schools were randomly assigned to four groups. Each school provided one Form Two class. The study sample comprised of 156 second grade students in the secondary school cycle (Form Two students) in Gucha District, Kenya. Students in all the groups were taught the same biology content but two groups, the experimental groups, were taught using the CCM approach while the other two, the control groups, were taught using regular teaching methods. Two groups, one experimental and one control, were pretested prior to the implementation of the CCM intervention. After four weeks, all four groups were post-tested using the students motivation questionnaire (SMQ). Data were analysed using the t-test, ANOVA and ANCOVA. The results show that students exposed to the CCM approach have significantly higher motivation than those taught through regular methods. The results further indicate that there is no statistically significant gender difference in motivation towards the learning of biology among secondary school students exposed to CCM. The researchers conclude that CCM is an effective teaching approach, which biology teachers need to incorporate in their teaching.KEY WORDS: concept mapping teaching approach, motivation in learning biology
Teaching method is a major factor that affects students' motivation to learn physics. This study investigated the effects of using mastery learning approach (MLA) on secondary school students' motivation to learn physics. Solomon four non-equivalent control group design under the quasi-experimental research method was used in which a random sample of 4 co-educational secondary schools was obtained in Kieni East Division of Nyeri District in Kenya. The 4 schools were randomly put into 4 groups. Each school provided 1 Form Two class for the study; hence, a total of 161 students were involved. The students were taught the same physics content. In the experimental groups, MLA teaching method was used while the regular teaching method was used in the control groups. The researchers trained the teachers in the experimental groups on the technique of MLA before the treatment. Two groups were pre-tested prior to the implementation of the MLA treatment. At the end of treatment period, all the 4 groups were post-tested using a validated Students' Motivation Questionnaire, whose reliability coefficient was 0.76. Data were analysed using the t test, analysis of variance and analysis of covariance. The results of the study show that students exposed to MLA have significantly higher motivation than those taught through regular methods. Gender has no significant influence on their motivation to learn physics. The researchers conclude that MLA is an effective teaching method in motivating students; hence, physics teachers should incorporate it in teaching.
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