Effect of School Farms on the Learning of Agricultural Science among Senior Secondary School Students in Atisbo Local Government Area, Oyo State

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of school farm on the learning of agricultural science in senior secondary schools in Atisbo Local Government, Oyo State. The responses of respondents were collected using a four point likert rating type. All statements having mean equal to or above benchmark mean of 2.50 were accepted while those with mean below benchmark mean of 2.5 were rejected. On the availability of school farm for learning of agricultural science among senior secondary school students in the study area, all the items except item 3 and 4 have mean above benchmark mean of 2.50. This indicates that the respondents agreed with the statements  that their schools have functional  farms used for Agricultural Science practical, that they always participate in practical agricultural activities on the school farm  and that they  receive guidance from Agricultural Science teachers during practical sessions Also on the effects  of school farm on the learning of agricultural science, the respondents agreed with all the statements that use of school farm adds to their understanding of agricultural science, that use of school farm assists them  to answer agricultural science questions easier, they also agreed that learning of agricultural science is more effective through the use of school farm, that  school farm has increased their interest in Agricultural Science as a subject, also that working on the school farm has encouraged them  to consider a career in agriculture and that school farm activities have helped to increase their performance in agricultural science.  The study therefore recommended that farms should be established in our secondary schools as this will provide hand on learning for the students instead of relying only on theoretical learning, established school farms should be adequately utilized and well maintained by the schoolteachers and students, school farms should be provided with adequate tools and materials for practical activities