NDIDI BLESSED CHINONSO

This study examined the influence of visual instructional materials on the academic performance of Biology students in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. The objectives of the study were to determine the availability, frequency of use, students’ perception, and challenges associated with the use of visual instructional materials in Biology instruction. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and a total of seventy (70) respondents—including Biology teachers and SS2 students—were selected from public secondary schools within the study area. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection, and the results were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, and mean scores. The findings revealed that visual instructional materials such as diagrams, charts, preserved specimens, microscopes, and digital resources are highly available in the schools. The results also showed that teachers frequently use these materials during Biology lessons, and students demonstrated a highly positive perception of their effectiveness. Students indicated that visual materials enhanced their understanding, improved recall of concepts, increased interest in Biology, and contributed positively to their academic performance. However, the study also identified several challenges affecting effective utilization of visual instructional materials, including inadequate funding, unstable electricity, limited supply of materials, large class sizes, and insufficient teacher training. The study concluded that visual instructional materials play a significant role in improving students’ comprehension, engagement, and performance in Biology. It therefore recommended improved funding, regular teacher training, adequate provision of instructional resources, and infrastructural improvement—especially in electricity supply—to enhance the effective use of visual instructional materials in Biology classroom.