ENHANCING SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ INTEREST AND PERFORMANCE IN BIOLOGY THROUGH FUNCTIONAL PEDAGOGICAL APPROACHES IN JALINGO METROPOLIS

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Recognizing on going struggles with students’ interest and performance in Biology, this study explored whether AI-supported teaching methods could offer a meaningful solution in Jalingo Metropolis, Taraba State. The research was guided by two research questions and respective null hypotheses, using a quasi-experimental pre-test post-test control group approach. From a population of 3,469 Senior Secondary School Two (SSS2) students, a sample size of 184 was drawn from five randomly selected schools through simple random sampling technique. Data came from a Biology Performance Test (BPT) and a specially developed Biology Interest Inventory (BII). Descriptive statistics of Mean and Standard Deviation addressed the research questions, while inferential statistics of ANCOVA tested the hypotheses. Findings revealed that students who experienced AI-enhanced lessons showed stronger interest and performed better than those taught through conventional methods. The study recommends that teachers receive proper training in AI tools and that the curriculum be updated to reflect this shift toward more dynamic, technology-enhanced learning.