International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) |Volume IX, Issue X, October 2022|ISSN 2321-2705
Vivian Akpevwe ADAMS, Maureen Ifeanyichukwu Umeana
Abstract: While educators emphasize that the conceptual understanding of ecology is important, researchers have noted that the learning of ecology related concepts is relatively difficult. As part of the contribution to arrest the situation, this study was designed to determine the effects of Argumentation Based Science learning (ABSL) on student conceptual understanding of Ecology. The study used a quasi-experimental non- equivalent control group’s pre-test and post-test design. The study was carried out in two randomly selected co-educational secondary schools in Uvwie local government area of Delta State. The sample for the study consisted of 94 (SSI) students from two randomly selected intact classes in the sampled schools. Data for the study were collected with a Two-Tier Multiple Choice Diagnostic instrument. The instrument was subjected to face and content validity. The two intact classes of 44 and 50 students each were assigned to experimental group and control group respectively. Research questions were answered using mean and percentage. Hypotheses were tested using inferential statistics t-test and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) at 0.05 level of significance. Findings from the study revealed that Argumentation Based Science learning enhanced student’s conceptual understanding of Ecology more than the traditional method of teaching. Recommendation and suggestion for further study were made based on the findings of the study.
Keywords: Argumentation Based Science learning, Misconception, sex, Traditional Method of Teaching and Ecology
I. INTRODUCTION
Science education’s primary goal is to help science students improve their capacity to solve a wide variety of complicated issues and to instil scientific habits in them. Biology is a discipline in Life Science. It is a branch of natural science concerned with how the living world is generated, how it functions, how living things come into existence, and how they interact with one another and their environment. The importance of biology in everyday life cannot be emphasized.
Ecology is one of the important concept in the biology curriculum. This is because it studies the interactions among living things and their environment. Unlike some other concepts in biology, Ecology deals with real everyday life issues. Ecology deals with some of the pressing challenges faced by humans. From increasing population, food shortages, environmental pollutions, global warming and climate change. Climate change related events such as floods, thunderstorms, and extreme weathers have adverse effects on humans health directly or indirectly (McMichael et.al, 2006).