ASSESSMENT ON INCORPORATING FIELDTRIP INTO UNDERGRADUATE BIOLOGY CURRICULUM IN THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN, BENIN CITY

ABSTRACT

The study assessed the incorporation field trip into undergraduate Biology curriculum in the University of Benin, Benin City. Four (4) research questions were raised to guide the study. The respondents comprised of students who were one hundred and fifty (150) in number. Also, the mixed method design was adopted for the study. In organizing and presenting collected data, tables and percentages were used, as well as mean and standard deviation. Data for the study was distributed to CIT, PBB and AEB students in their respective departments. The research instrument used in collecting data was a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided into two sections, Section A and B. Section A was designed to elicit personal information of the respondents, while Section B comprised of items on the topic under investigation. The instrument was reviewed and validated by the project supervisor for screening before administration to respondents in their various departments. The findings of the study revealed that field trips provide students with hands on experiences as well as fostering a sense of cooperation and team work among students. It was also found that academic background difference, low socio economic background and lack of prior experience on field trips pose a challenge to students during field trip exercises. Based on the findings, the following were recommended; that there should be adequate training for faculty members and teaching staff on how to effectively organize and conduct field trips; that curriculum planners should ensure to embed field trips as a mandatory component within the existing biology courses; that the university management especially the department should ensure they secure funding and resources to support field trips which includes transportation, safety equipment, among others.