Extent of Implementation of Safety and Management Practices in Senior Secondary Schools Biology Laboratory Resources in Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated extent of implementation of safety and management practices in senior secondary schools biology laboratory resources in Enugu State, Nigeria. Two research questions guided the study and one null hypothesis was tested at 0.05 level of significance. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised 552 biology teachers in public secondary schools in Enugu State. A sample size of 417 biology teachers was drawn for the study using multistage sampling procedure. The researchers developed questionnaires titled “Extent of Implementation of Safety and Management Practices in Senior Secondary Schools Biology Laboratory Resources” (EISMPISSSBLR). The instrument was validated by five experts, one expert in measurement and evaluation unit of the Department of Educational Foundations, one from Department of Guidance and Counselling, two from the Department of Science Education all from NnamdiAzikiwe University, Awka and one secondary school Biology teacher from Community Secondary School, Amansea. Cronbach alpha was used to determine the reliability of the instrument which yielded coefficient value of 0.77. The researchers together, with three research assistants collected data for the study using the direct approach method and 97% return was recorded. Mean statistics was used to answer the research questions while one-tailed independent t-test was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 statistical level of significance. The findings of the study revealed among others that appropriateness of design and fittings were to a high extent to implement safety practices in biology laboratory. Further results showed that management practices by male and female biology teachers in senior secondary schools biology laboratory resources were to a low extent for teaching secondary school biology in Enugu State, Nigeria. Also, there is no significant difference in the mean ratings of male and female biology teachers in the management of biology laboratory resources for teaching biology in secondary schools in Enugu State. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that Enugu State government, individuals, science professional bodies and non-governmental, organization should assist improve the safety and management practices in senior secondary schools biology laboratory resources for teaching biology through funding, donations and supply of teaching materials.