INFLUENCE OF SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT ON EFFECTIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF BASIC SCIENCE IN JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN OVIA NORTH EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE.

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the influence of the school environment on the effective teaching and learning of Basic science in junior secondary schools within Ovia North East Local Government Area, Benin City, Edo State. Through a comprehensive field survey, data were collected to explore various dimensions of the school environment and its impact on Basic science education, encompassing the perspectives of both students and teachers. The demographic data revealed a balanced representation of male and female respondents across different classes and class sizes, reflecting the diversity of the sample. Analysis of the impacts of the school environment on Basic science education indicated positive perceptions regarding the availability of teaching aids and materials, but concerns were raised regarding the conduciveness of physical infrastructure and the availability of textbooks and models/mocks for teaching Basic science. Furthermore, the study highlighted the positive role of extracurricular activities, teacher support, and modern technology in enhancing teaching and learning experiences in Basic science. Nevertheless, limitations in resources and the need for support for teachers were identified as significant challenges, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues to improve the quality of Basic science education. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the strengths and areas for improvement in the school environment's influence on the teaching and learning of Basic science in junior secondary schools in Ovia North East Local Government Area, Benin City, Edo State. These findings offer actionable recommendations for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders to enhance the quality of basic science education in the region and contribute to the overall improvement of the educational landscape.