Awareness and Implementation of Ethnocurriculum among Biology Teachers in Secondary School in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

The teaching and learning Biology in secondary school often relies on conventional methods, examples and contexts foreign to learners’ live experiences. And this does not increase learners understanding and comprehension of Biology concept, and engagement. Ethnocurriculum offer a way to bridge this gap by integrating indigenous knowledge and local practices into Biology teaching and instruction. This study examined the awareness and implementation of ethnocurriculum among secondary school Biology teachers in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.  The population of the study include all the Biology teachers in public secondary school in the study area. The study adopted descriptive survey design. Data was collected from 150 biology teachers selected through random sampling techniques using self-structured questionnaire. This instrument was use to collected data on teachers’ awareness of ethnocurricum, the implementation, the perceived benefit and the challenges in Biology teaching and learning. Data collected was analysed using mean statistics. Results indicated that Biology teachers had some awareness of ethnocurriclum because they have read some literature on indigenous knowledge and ethnocurriculum, but implementation was low.  Major challenges identified include time constraints, inadequate training on integrating indigenous knowledge and lack of instructional materials with local examples. It was therefore recommended among others things that: Biology teachers should create opportunities for learners to share indigenous knowledge and experiences related to plant, and animals during classroom interaction. Educational authorities should organise regular workshops, seminars, and professional development programs to improve Biology teachers’ understanding of ethnocurriculum and its application in classroom instruction.

Keywords: Ethnocurriculum, Biology education, Biology teachers, Teacher’s awareness, curriculum Implementation, Indigenous knowledge, secondary school education.