Effects of Cooperative Learning Strategy on Academic Performance in Biology among Secondary Schools’ Students in Gusau Metropolis, Zamfara State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the effects of cooperative learning strategies on academic performance of senior secondary school students in Biology in Gusau Metropolis, Zamfara State. The study is made up of two objectives with corresponding Research questions and hypotheses The research design wasa quasi-experimental design with a sample of 207 students. The instrument used for data collection was Ecology Performance Test (BPT), which was developed by the researchers. The instrument was validated by experts and was pilot tested on 30 students, the data from the pilot test was analyzed using PPMCC and a reliability index of 0.81 was discovered. The research questions were answered using descriptive statistics while the null hypotheses were tested using inferential statistics at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed a statistically significant difference in students' performance when taught with cooperative learning strategies. The study concludes that cooperative learning is an effective and efficient method for teaching ecology. The study recommended that the cooperative learning should be adopted and prioritized in teacher training.