EFFECTS OF VIRTUAL LABORATORY ON THE ACHIEVEMENT AND RETENTION OF BIOLOGY STUDENTS IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN MINNA, NIGER STATE

Abstract

This study covers the effects of virtual laboratory on the achievement and retention of Biology students in senior secondary schools. This study adopted the quasi-experimental design. Specifically, the pretest, post-test, non-equivalent control group design was used. The population use for this study comprises of Biology students in Minna Metropolis, Niger state with a total population of 2170 students while the target population comprises second-year secondary school (SSII) Biology students in Mina Metropolis, Niger State. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select two schools. The sample size consists of 50 students from the two schools. Findings from this study revealed that students taught using Virtual laboratory had higher mean achievement score than those taught without virtual laboratory. Finding revealed that there was no significant difference between the mean achievement scores of male and female Biology students taught using Virtual laboratory package. Based on the finding of the study, it was recommended that there should be adequate reinforcement to hardworking and dedicated teachers through prize awards as a means of appreciation. Government, school administrators should show support and dedication to encourage creativity shown by co-science teachers by providing teaching materials which will promote science and technology in Nigeria.