Abstract: Researchers identify Biology as an important scientific discipline contributing to vital scientific innovations such as genetic engineering and medicine. However, national examination reports in Kenya from 2013 to 2023 consistently reveal sub-optimal students’ achievement of learning outcomes. This suggests that there may be persistent challenges in its teaching and learning processes. This study investigated the extent to which application of Biology to everyday life context through the nature of science influences students’ attainment of intended learning outcomes in Biology. The study employed a mixed-methods approach within an explanatory sequential design. The study began with a quantitative survey whose results informed the qualitative inquiry which was done in selected secondary schools. The locale of the study was Nairobi City County, encompassing 114 public secondary schools. Data collection tools included questionnaires, in-depth interview schedules, focus group discussions (FGDs) and classroom observation protocols. Participants comprised Biology teachers, students and subject matter experts from the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), the Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) and Biology education lecturers from Kenyatta University. The findings revealed that application of Biology to everyday life context through the nature of science was insufficient and hence this only led to achievement of low order cognitive outcomes and basic skills and uninterested learners. This study is key to the teaching and learning of Biology in school set-ups.
Keywords: Application of Biology, nature of science, life context, achievement of learning outcomes, teaching and learning.
Title: Nexus between Application of the Nature of Science (NoS) in Biology Teaching and Achievement of Learning Outcomes: Lessons from Nairobi City County, Kenya
Author: Dr. Roseline M. Osugo
International Journal of Novel Research in Education and Learning
ISSN 2394-9686
Vol. 13, Issue 4, July 2026 - August 2026
Page No: 8-19
Novelty Journals
Website: www.noveltyjournals.com
Published Date: 09-July-2026