Teaching Biology Practical Lessons in Secondary Schools: A Case Study of Five Mzilikazi District Secondary Schools in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study examined how teachers teach Biology practical lessons at Ordinary Level in Mzilikazi District Secondary Schools of Bulawayo Metropolitan Province. Qualitative approach and case study design were adopted. Data was collected using document analysis and semi-structured interviews conducted with purposively selected five Biology teachers, five Heads of Science Department from five schools, and one Science Subject Inspector. Data were thematically analysed. The study revealed that teachers used both teacher-centred and student-centred methods in teaching Biology practical lessons and various factors constrained the teaching of practical lessons. The study concluded that some Biology teachers in selected schools did not conduct practical lessons in line with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education expectations. The study recommends that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education should continue equipping teachers with knowledge and skills of teaching Biology practical lessons through workshops and other staff development programmes.