EFFECTS OF TACTILE MODEL ON SENIOR SECONDARY ONE STUDENTS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT ACHIEVEMENT IN BIOLOGY IN PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the learning  effects of tactile models on students with Visual Impairment’ achievement in Biology. This study intends to assists Biology teachers to implement tactile models effectively in the classrooms so as to get a satisfactory learning out-come from student in senior secondary schools. The study was conducted in Plateau State Senior Secondary one students with Visual Impairment, the study used an integrate approach from several relevant psycho-educational theories with a frame work of subsequent reflections that derived effective results. The models were locally designed and used as instructional models from an integrated view point. The models were examined for their validity and reliability as well as their capacity for assessing students’ academic achievements in Biology. They were involved in teaching and learning process at Senior Secondary Schools, data were collected and analysed and the results revealed that the students’ perception and learning with tactile models have a positive and significant effect on students’ academic achievement. Also, they were found to be useful tools for conducting formative evaluation of teaching and learning process since they allow perception from students to be captured and compared across deference dimensions. The study adopted quasi experimental research design using pre-test, post-test control groups without randomization. The study was conducted on two groups of students in senior secondary schools in Plateau State, namely Experimental and Controlled groups, the two groups were pre-tested and after administering the intervention the two groups were post-tested. The sample used comprises of 10 male and female students with Visual Impairment. Hypotheses were formulated and questionnaires were administered at the beginning of the lesson and the students’ intention to learn was measured. Pre-test and post-test were done on the students to assess their achievement in Biology. The study shows that the students with Visual Impairments that experience the tactile models intervention did well in Biology.