Teaching Strategies and Secondary School Students’ Retention and Academic Achievement in Biology in Calabar Education Zone, Cross River State

The main purpose of the study is to determine whether students taught Biological concepts using cooperative learning and concept mapping strategies will experience enhanced understanding of the concepts than those taught using conventional method. To achieve the purpose of this study, two hypotheses and research questions were formulated. Literature was reviewed according to the variables of the study. Multistage sampling technique involving simple random, stratified and purposive sampling techniques were used to select 264 subjects for the study. Biology Achievement Test (BAT) and Biology Retention Test (BRT), were the two instruments used for data collection. The instruments were subjected to face and content validation. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was employed to test the hypotheses under study. Each hypothesis was tested at .05 level of significance. The result of the analysis revealed a significant effect of treatment on students‟ academic achievement and retention of concept in Biology. It was recommended that professional associations like Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN), Ministry of Education and Secondary Education Board should popularize the use of cooperative learning and concept mapping strategies in teaching Biological concepts.

Keywords: Teaching strategies, students, academic, achievement, retention Biology Cross River State, Nigeria.