Advanced Level Student Competences in Doing Biology Practical: The Case of Dissection of Frog in Kinondoni and Bagamoyo Districts, Tanzania

This study examined students’ learning competences of biology practical skills during dissection of animal specimen-Frog/Toad in A’level secondary schools in Kinondoni and Bagamoyo district. Mixed method approach and case study design were employed. Biology practical sessions were examined in 10 secondary schools, five from each district. Participants involved 10 form six biology students and 2 teachers from each school. Data were collected through interview with teachers, focus group discussion with students and participatory observation. Sampling was purposively to teachers and randomly to students. Qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed thematically and descriptively respectively. Findings includes: A’level students were not competent in dissecting frog. Students lack practical technical skills in dissection, lack clear knowledge on the internal features of frog, lack knowledge on the ethics of dissection processes, lack familiarity of some dissecting materials and skills in using dissecting tools. There was limited practical guides and facilities needed for dissection. The study concludes that teachers need to be trained on how to teach practical lessons. The study recommend the government to supply guides and dissecting kits to all schools and make a follow on what and how students are learning practical lessons.