EFFECTS OF CLASS SIZE ON TEACHING AND LEARNING BIOLOGY IN SOME SELECTED SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN MAIDUGURI METROPOLITAN COUNCIL, MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE

ABSTRACT This study investigates the effects of class size on the teaching and learning of Biology in senior secondary schools within Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Borno State. Using a survey research design, data were collected from 120 senior secondary school students across three schools, with 40 respondents forming the sample size. The research employed a structured questionnaire analyzed using frequency tables, means, and percentages. Results indicate that smaller class sizes significantly improve students' academic performance by facilitating individualized attention, better classroom engagement, and effective teacher-student interactions. Conversely, larger class sizes negatively impact teachers' job performance and motivation, reducing their ability to manage classroom dynamics and deliver the syllabus effectively. The study recommends implementing policies to reduce class sizes, enhancing teacher training programs, and investing in adequate educational resources to ensure effective learning outcomes, particularly in practical subjects like Biology.