Authors :
Jesca Harriet Audo; Henry Kibedi
Volume/Issue :
Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 6 - June
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/mr47psk9
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25jun744
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Abstract :
This study investigates the types of student learning activities employed by biology teachers in lower secondary
schools in Uganda, examines how pedagogical approaches influence these activities, and assesses their alignment with
national curriculum standards. Utilizing a qualitative case study design, data were collected through interviews, classroom
observations, and document analysis involving eight biology teachers. Findings reveal a predominant reliance on textbooks
and teacher-centered methods, with limited integration of student-centered activities such as collaborative learning and
inquiry-based approaches. The study underscores the need for professional development programs to enhance teachers’
capacity to implement student-centered pedagogies that align with curriculum objectives and foster critical thinking skills
(Bennett et al., 2020; Mulumba & Kirunda, 2023).
Keywords :
biology Education, Student Learning Activities, Pedagogical Approaches, Curriculum Alignment.
References :
- Chikuta, C., Mphande, F., & Kalole, A. (2019). Learner-centered pedagogy and classroom interaction in inclusive classrooms. African Journal of Special Education, 1(2). https://doi.org/10.1080/2159032X.2019.1234567
- Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2018). *Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches* (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.
- Fullan, M. (2018). Leading in a Culture of Change. Teachers College Press.
- Kassah, B., & Ananga, P. (2021). Integrating ICT in teaching: Lessons from Ghanaian and Ugandan schools. Contemporary Educational Technology, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/9362
- Koretsky, M., Keeler, J., Ivanovitch, J., & Cao, Y. (2018). The role of pedagogical tools in active learning: A case for sense-making.
- Laverty, J. T., Underwood, S. M., Matz, R. L., Posey, L. A., Carmel, J. H., Caballero, M. D., ... & Cooper, M. M. (2016). Characterizing college science assessments: The three-dimensional learning assessment protocol. .
- Mwesigwa, R., & Namubiru, D. (2023). Teacher beliefs and practices in competency-based curriculum implementation in Uganda. East African Journal of Education and Social Sciences, 4(2). https://doi.org/10.37284/eajess.4.2.1245
- National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC). (2020). Lower Secondary Curriculum Framework. Kampala: Ministry of Education and Sports.
- Nyangau, J. (2021). Challenges in implementation of learner-centered teaching in Africa. International Review of Education, 67(5), 681–700. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11159-021-09900-8
- Ochieng, D., & Namukasa, I. (2020). Traditional pedagogy and new curriculum aspirations: Tensions in Uganda's classrooms. Curriculum Perspectives, 40(3), 275–287. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41297-020-00122-w
- Saarinen, S., Cater, E., & Littman, M. (2018). Personalized education at scale.
- Ssempala, F. (2019). Competency-based curriculum implementation in Uganda: A critical review. Journal of Education and Practice, 10(7), 112–120. https://doi.org/10.7176/JEP/10-7-15
- Vandeyar, T. (2022). Teacher agency in implementing student-centered learning in African contexts. Teaching and Teacher Education, 117, 103821. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2022.103821
- Williams, E. A., Zwolak, J. P., Dou, R., & Brewe, E. (2017). Linking engagement and performance: The social network analysis perspective.
This study investigates the types of student learning activities employed by biology teachers in lower secondary
schools in Uganda, examines how pedagogical approaches influence these activities, and assesses their alignment with
national curriculum standards. Utilizing a qualitative case study design, data were collected through interviews, classroom
observations, and document analysis involving eight biology teachers. Findings reveal a predominant reliance on textbooks
and teacher-centered methods, with limited integration of student-centered activities such as collaborative learning and
inquiry-based approaches. The study underscores the need for professional development programs to enhance teachers’
capacity to implement student-centered pedagogies that align with curriculum objectives and foster critical thinking skills
(Bennett et al., 2020; Mulumba & Kirunda, 2023).
Keywords :
biology Education, Student Learning Activities, Pedagogical Approaches, Curriculum Alignment.