Abstract:
The study investigated the comparative effects of virtual laboratory and physical laboratory practicals on
the academic achievements and attitudes of biology students in senior secondary schools in Adamawa
State. Two objectives, two research questions, and two hypotheses tested at a 0.05 level of significance
guided the study. The study adopted quasi-experimental research pre-test, post-test, non-equivalent
comparative group design consisting of 140 SS II Biology Students in Adamawa State. The instrument
for data collection was Biology Practical Achievement Test (BPAT adopted from WAEC past questions
and Biology Practical Attitudes Questionnaire (BPAQ) which was tested for reliability using Cronbach
Alfa and Internal consistency of 0.71 was obtained. The data collected were analyzed using
Descriptive statistics Mean and Standard Deviation for research questions and one-way ANCOVA.
The study revealed the following findings: - There are significant effects of virtual laboratory and
physical laboratory on Students’ Academic Achievement when taught Biology using a virtual laboratory
in senior secondary schools in Adamawa State in favor of physical laboratory F = 119.124 (df 1, 139),
P = 0.00. There are significant effects of virtual laboratory and physical laboratory on students’ attitude
when teaching Biology using virtual laboratory and physical laboratory in Senior Secondary School in
Adamawa State in favor of physical laboratory F = 6.867 (df 1, 139), P = 0.01. it was recommended
that the Adamawa State government should provide a well-equipped Physical Biology Laboratory for
adequate teaching, learning, and understanding of Biology practicals in Senior Secondary Schools in
Adamawa State, capacity building, workshop training for biology teachers on laboratory techniques
and usage. Incorporation of virtual and physical laboratory practicals in the biology curriculum to
enhance academic achievement and promote positive attitudes and clear learning objectives and
guidelines for both virtual and physical laboratory experiences to ensure effective utilization of
resources among others. Suggestions for further research and conclusions were drawn |
