The effect of Teaching Aids on Students’ Performance in Biology Subject in O’level Secondary Schools in Kayonza District

Redempta Ntezimana Muhoza – University of Rwanda, College of Education
Dan Imaniriho – University of Rwanda, College of Education
Augustin Nshimiyimana – University of Rwanda, College of Education
Ephrem Nkunzabo – Data and IT Consulting Ltd
Neo Justin Ntezimana – University of Nairobi, College of Biological and Physical Sciences
Prudence Ntezimana Batera – Rwanda Tourism University College
Email: ntemuhozaredempta@gmail.com

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of teaching aids on students’ performance in Biology subject in O’level secondary schools in Kayonza District. Using convenient sampling, four schools were selected comprising a total population of 347 made by 4 Dean of Studies, 4 Biology teachers, and 339 students. Data were collected using both interviews, observation checklists, and tests. As a mixed study, data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, content analysis, and t-tests using SPSS 26 version as a tool to compare students who were taught using teaching aids and those who learned without teaching aids. The results showed that textbooks and charts were the most available teaching aids. The most challenge that hinders the effective use of teaching aids in biology teaching was found to be a lack of time to prepare teaching aids (n=4, 100%), and the teaching aids language barrier (n=4, 100%). The results revealed that there were significant differences between academic performance amongst the students who learned using teaching aids (M= 7.000) and those who learned without teaching aids (M=6.017) at a significant level of 0.000. The provision of instructional materials in schools, the organization of workshops for teachers about the use of instructional materials, the production of simple teaching aids through improvisation for students to practice what they study and the supervision of how the available instructional materials are effectively utilized will contribute to high performance in O’level Biology secondary schools in Kayonza District.