Correlation between Teachers' Use of Instructional Materials and Academic Performance in Biology among Senior Secondary School Students in Adamawa State, Nigeria

This study examined the correlation between teachers’ use of instructional materials and academic performance in Biology among senior secondary school students in Adamawa State, Nigeria. The study employs a correlational design; the study population consists of 814 teachers, as well as 39,390 Senior Secondary II (SSII) students from 366 senior secondary schools in Adamawa State. The sample of 260 Biology teachers, and 384 students was used with student performance in Biology. Cronbach's alpha was used to determine the internal consistency of the questionnaire, yielding a reliability coefficient of 0.86, indicating a high level of reliability. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire tagged Teachers’ Use of Instructional Materials Questionnaire (TUIMQ) and analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear regression. The results reveal revealed a weak but positive correlation (r=0.208) between the use of instructional materials and students’ academic achievement, with 4.3% of the variance in performance explained by the use of these tools. Despite the limited impact weak correlation, the study emphasizes the need for improved teacher training and better access to instructional resources to enhance learning outcomes in Biology. The findings underscore the importance of continuous professional development for teachers and the provision of adequate resources to close the performance gap between well-funded urban schools and under-resourced rural areas. The study concludes concluded that while instructional materials positively influence academic achievement, their effectiveness is constrained by infrastructural and financial limitations. Recommendations include policies to enhance technological infrastructure, teacher training, and equitable resource allocation to improve Biology education in Adamawa State. Keywords: Instructional Materials, Biology Teachers, Senior Secondary Students and Academic Achievement