EFFECT OF 7E LEARNING CYCLE MODEL ON STUDENTS’ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN BIOLOGY IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KENYA: A CASE STUDY OF CHESUMEI SUB-COUNTY.

Abstract

This study examined the effect of 7E Learning Cycle Model on students’ academic achievement in Biology in secondary schools in Kenya. The first objective was to compare the effect of 7E Learning Cycle Model and Conventional Instructional Method on students’ academic achievement in Biology, the second objective was to determine the influence of students’ attitude towards 7E Learning Cycle Model on their academic achievement in Biology and the third objective was to establish challenges faced by teachers when using 7E Learning Cycle Model and how they affect students’ academic achievement in Biology. Quasi-experimental design was adopted in this study. 7E Learning Cycle Model was applied to experimental group and Conventional Instructional Method to the control group. Target population for the study was 3421 form three Biology students and 61 Biology teachers. Data was collected from a sample size of 346 students and 18 teachers. The study employed stratified sampling, simple random sampling and purposive sampling procedures. Data collection instruments were Biology Achievement Test, Students’ Questionnaire and Teachers’ Questionnaire. Validity of the Biology Achievement Test was established by two Biology teachers. The validity of both students’ and teachers’ questionnaire were established by two supervisors. Reliability of Biology Achievement Test was established through test- retest technique using SPSS. A reliability coefficient of r = 0.83 was obtained. To establish the internal consistency of the questionnaire, Cronbach’s coefficient alpha was employed using SPSS. Students’ and Teachers’ questionnaire, had a Cronbach’s coefficient alpha of 0.89 and 0.84 respectively. Data was analysed using both descriptive (frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation) as well as inferential statistics (t- test) with the aid of SPSS and excel. The findings of the study showed that students in the experimental group performed better than students in the control group, students had positive attitude towards 7E Learning Cycle Model and that Biology teachers face challenges when using 7E Learning Cycle Model during instruction. The study therefore concluded that 7E Learning Cycle Model is an effective way of improving students’ academic achievement in Biology. Based on the findings of the study, the researcher recommended that Biology teachers should employ 7E Learning Cycle Model in teaching, KICD should incorporate 7E Learning Cycle Model into Biology curriculum, Ministry of Education together with other education stake holders should organize in-service programs for teachers on the use 7E Learning Cycle model and also, they should provide adequate instructional resources.