INFLUENCE OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE TEACHERS IN TEACHING PRACTICAL'S IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN IKA NORTHEAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF DELTA STATE

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study investigated the influence of Agricultural Science teachers in teaching practical in secondary schools in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised Agricultural Science students in secondary schools in Ika North East Local Government Area. A sample of 257 students, consisting of 120 male and 137 female students, was used for the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using mean, standard deviation to answer the research questions, and t-test was used to test the hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that Agricultural Science teachers influence students’ understanding of agricultural practical to a high extent, teachers use demonstration, fieldwork, project, lecture, and instructional materials in teaching practical lessons, inadequate facilities, lack of instructional materials, insufficient funding, large class sizes, and limited time, affect teaching of agricultural practical in secondary schools. Students also perceived teachers as effective in teaching agricultural practical, with a grand mean of 3.26. The t-test results indicated no significant difference between male and female students’ responses at the 0.05 level of significance. The study concluded that Agricultural Science teachers play an important role in effective practical teaching. It recommended adequate provision of facilities, instructional materials, funding, time, and improved practical teaching methods. Keywords: Influence, Agricultural Science, Teachers, Teaching Practical, Secondary Schools