COMPARISON OF BIOLOGY TEACHERS’ COMMITMENT TO TEACHING IN SABON-GARI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KADUNA STATE

This research compares the commitment status of Biology teachers to the teaching profession in Kaduna State in two different historical periods in Nigerian history. The study reviewed issues which borders on the commitment and official roles of teachers from the time of missionary sole control of education to post -independent era. Comparative analysis of the two periods were examined in terms of teachers’ training, commitment and degree of motivation, the tendency to engage in other paid work outside teaching and the degree of communal involvement. The study adopted a survey design. The population of the study was all the serving and retired biology teachers in Sabon -Gari Local government Area, Kaduna State, from which one hundred and twenty teachers were randomly sampled from ten secondary schools in the study area. The research instrument was a Teachers’ Role and Commitment Questionnaire and Focus Group Discussion. Data collected were analyzed using si mple percentages and mean score statistical tools. Findings from the study revealed that the teachers in the first period group, 1969 – 1989, were rated higher based on their commitment, positive impacts to teaching and learning than the second period group, 1990 - 2010. Suggestions were made which included; the government at all levels should grant soft loans and award other amenities to teachers on a regular basis, and there is an urgent need to institute the “Teacher of the Year” Award; an annual competition which would be held in the state and around the country to seek out and honour the best teacher of the year. The research concludes that Effective teaching can only occur when teachers promote excellence and are motivated to perform at a high level