Constraints to Effective Use of Field Laboratory Exposure Method in Teaching Agricultural Science in Secondary Schools in Delta State

• Author(s): Blessing E. Ahama; Canice N. Ikeoji, Professor
• Paper ID: 1719044
• Page: 2401-2412
• Published Date: 23-06-2026
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 9 Issue 12 June-2026

Abstract

The study determined the constraints to the effective use of the field laboratory exposure method in teaching Agricultural Science in secondary schools in Delta State, Nigeria. The Delphi technique was adopted to achieve consensus among Agricultural Science teachers through four rounds. In Round One, an open-ended questionnaire was used to generate constraints, which were collated into thirty-eight (38) items. In Round Two, the items were rated using a four-point scale and analyzed with mean and standard deviation, using a cut-off mean of 2.50; thirty-six (36) items met the criterion and were retained. In Round Three, a Yes/No questionnaire was used to determine agreement levels, and twenty-five (25) teachers participated; items with 60% agreement and above were considered as consensus, resulting in thirty-one (31) retained items. In Round Four, the consensus items were finalized as the major constraints. Findings revealed that lack of functional school farms, insufficient funding, inadequate instructional materials and equipment, large class size, limited time for practical lessons, poor maintenance of facilities, and inadequate teacher training were the major constraints affecting the effective use of the field laboratory exposure method. Other constraints identified include poor supervision, weak integration of theory and practice, negative student attitude, and limited access to modern agricultural technologies. The study concluded that these interrelated constraints hinder effective practical Agricultural Science teaching and recommended improved funding, provision of facilities, teacher training, strengthened supervision, and enhanced collaboration among stakeholders.

Keywords

Constraint, Effective use, Field Laboratory Exposure, Agricultural Science, Secondary schools, Delta State

Citations

IRE Journals:
Blessing E. Ahama, Canice N. Ikeoji, Professor "Constraints to Effective Use of Field Laboratory Exposure Method in Teaching Agricultural Science in Secondary Schools in Delta State" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 12 2026 Page 2401-2412 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I12-1719044

IEEE:
Blessing E. Ahama, Canice N. Ikeoji, Professor "Constraints to Effective Use of Field Laboratory Exposure Method in Teaching Agricultural Science in Secondary Schools in Delta State" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(12) https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I12-1719044