Analogies used in presenting genetics in senior secondary school biology textbooks in Nigeria

Abstract

The field of genetics is often believed as a subject or a topic in biology that is difficult to learn and comprehend. The study aimed to identify the analogies used in the presentational format in illustrating genetics in selected biology textbooks in Osun State, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population for the study comprised all the nine biology textbooks presently recommended by the Osun State Ministry of Education for implementing the biology curriculum. The study sample comprised six out of the nine recommended biology textbooks in Osun State using a simple random sampling technique. An instrument developed by Curtis and Reigeluth titled Biology Textbook Genetics Analogy (BTGA) was adapted and was used to collect data for the study. The study concluded that verbal analogies, simple analogies, and advance organizer analogies are the predominant analogies used in textbooks. It was also concluded that textbooks should include and balance the ratio of the different types of analogies being used. Keywords: Analogy, Biology Textbook, Genetics, Senior Secondary School, Osun State (Nigeria)