performance in Biology in Zone B of Benue State. The researchers used quasi experimental nonequivalent

pre-test post-test design. The population of this study comprised 29,571 SS II students

that offer Biology in education Zone B of Benue State comprising 15,204 males and 14,367

females. A sample of 211 students comprising 113 male and 98 female SS II students was used

for the study. Multi-stage sampling technique was used in the study. Biology Performance Test

(BPT) constructed by the researchers was used for data collection. The test was given to three

experts (lecturers), two in Science Education and one in Mathematics education in the

Department of Science and Mathematics Education, all in Faculty of Education, Benue State

University, Makurdi for face validation.

To determine the reliability of the instrument, a trial test

was conducted in a public secondary school outside the sampled schools. Thirty SSII students

who offer Biology that were not part of the sampled population but within the area of the study

were given the test after which they were collected the same day. Data collected were analyzed

using Kuder Richardson 20 (because the item have preferred answers). The reliability of 0.81

was obtained. The researchers collected the data with the help of research assistants. Mean and

Standard Deviations were used to answer the research questions. Analysis of Covariance

(ANCOVA) was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed a

significant difference between the mean performance scores of students taught Biology using

laboratory practical and those taught using alternative to practical (F1,208= 1109.732; p = 0.000

< 0.05); there is significant difference in the mean performance ratings of male and female

students taught Biology using laboratory practical learning approach (F1,106 = 4.300; p = 0.041

< 0.05). It was recommended that Biology teachers should use laboratory practical approach to

ensure effective teaching and learning so as to enhance students’ performance in Biology instead

of the alternative to practical.