STUDENTS' RETENTION IN MENDELIAN GENETICS: EVALUATING PUNNETT SQUARE AND BEADS AS TEACHING TOOLS IN UYO, NIGERIA

Mendelian genetics is a fundamental branch of Biology that explores genes, heredity, and genetic variation in organisms. It explains similarities and differences among related individuals and provides a foundation for various biological studies, including embryology, taxonomy, and evolutionary principles. Understanding Mendelian inheritance is essential for practical applications such as plant and animal breeding, disease detection and treatment, paternity determination, and forensic investigations. Despite its importance, students often struggle to grasp genetics concepts, which are critical for scientific literacy and informed decision-making in everyday life. This study emphasizes the need for effective teaching strategies to enhance students’ comprehension and retention of Mendelian genetics.