Innovative practices in science education: a panacea for improving secondary school students’ academic achievement in science subjects in Nigeria

Abstract

Innovative practices are those actions or activities engaged by man through which new inventions are introduced into the society. Innovative practices can be seen in the areas of; Health, Communication, Agriculture, Industry, Governance, Education etc. This present paper was developed to examine innovative practices in science education which was identified as a panacea for improving students’ academic achievement in science subjects in secondary schools in Nigeria. The expository write-up examined innovative practices in science education in the areas of; science education curriculum, science teaching and learning, and improvisation in science education. The paper pointed out that when teachers adopt innovative practices in science education, the students’ academic achievement are greatly enhanced. The paper concluded by suggesting among other things that science teachers should utilize innovative practices in their lesson delivery so as to enhance students’ active participation in the lesson which will bring about an improved academic achievement. Also, intensive in-service programs should be organized to get the science teachers acquainted with and trained on how to effectively utilize innovative practices for enhanced students’ academic achievement in science subjects.

KEYWORDS: Academic achievement, curriculum innovation, innovative practices, science education