EXPLORING THE EFFICACY OF CULTURO TECHNOLOGY CONTEXTUAL APPROACH ON STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AND CURIOSITY IN CELL BIOLOGY

1.1 Background to the Study

In contemporary education, there has been an increasing demand to shift pedagogical practices to align with technological advancements and cultural contexts. The integration of technology in teaching and learning, often referred to as educational technology, has significantly influenced various subjects, especially in science education (Bakia et al., 2011). Among the diverse technological approaches, the Culturo Technology Contextual Approach (CTCA) stands out due to its unique incorporation of both cultural relevance and technological tools, designed to enhance learning experiences by aligning them with students' cultural backgrounds (Amiel & Reeves, 2008).

Cell biology, an integral part of biology, presents students with complex concepts, such as cellular structures, processes, and functions, that are often abstract and difficult to visualize (Allen & Tanner, 2003). Traditional teaching methods that rely heavily on rote memorization and theoretical instruction often fail to foster a deep understanding of the subject. Consequently, students' curiosity and achievement in cell biology are frequently undermined, with many perceiving it as a difficult and unengaging area of study (Cooper, 2005). To address these challenges, innovative teaching strategies, such as the CTCA, have emerged with the aim of enhancing students' learning experiences by making cell biology more relatable, interactive, and accessible. The CTCA draws from the constructivist theory, which emphasizes that learners construct knowledge through experiences and interactions with their environment (Vygotsky, 1978). Additionally, it integrates the principles of culturally relevant pedagogy, which posits that aligning learning content with students' cultural backgrounds can enhance engagement and motivation (Ladson-Billings, 1995). In practice, the CTCA leverages technological tools such as simulations, visualizations, and interactive software to make abstract biological processes more concrete and comprehensible (Schwarz et al., 2009). At the same time, it embeds cultural references and contexts that resonate with students' lived experiences, thus enhancing their connection to the content (Gay, 2002).

Empirical studies have shown that the CTCA has the potential to significantly improve student achievement and curiosity in various fields, including science education (DeJarnette, 2012). By fostering a learning environment that is both culturally inclusive and technologically enriched, this approach can help students overcome traditional barriers to learning complex subjects, such as cell biology, and stimulate their natural curiosity to explore scientific concepts in greater depth (Yildirim, 2014). Despite the growing body of literature supporting the efficacy of technology-enhanced learning approaches, there remains a gap in understanding how the CTCA specifically impacts student outcomes in cell biology education (Wang & Reeves, 2007). This study seeks to address this gap by exploring the efficacy of the Culturo Technology Contextual Approach on student achievement and curiosity in cell biology, thereby contributing to the ongoing discourse on innovative pedagogical strategies in science education.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The teaching and learning of cell biology pose significant challenges for both educators and students due to the abstract and complex nature of cellular processes. Traditional instructional methods often fail to engage students effectively, resulting in low levels of achievement and diminished curiosity in the subject (Cooper, 2005). Students frequently report difficulties in visualizing cellular structures and understanding the dynamic interactions that occur within cells, leading to a lack of motivation to further explore the subject (Allen & Tanner, 2003). Although educational technology has been widely adopted in classrooms, there remains a critical need to ensure that these technologies are implemented in ways that are culturally relevant and pedagogically sound (Gay, 2002). The Culturo Technology Contextual Approach (CTCA) offers a promising solution by integrating cultural relevance with technological tools to enhance learning outcomes (Ladson-Billings, 1995). However, empirical evidence on the effectiveness of the CTCA in improving student achievement and curiosity in cell biology is still limited. This study seeks to address this gap by investigating how the CTCA influences student achievement and curiosity in cell biology. By doing so, it aims to provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of this approach in enhancing science education and fostering a deeper understanding of complex biological concepts.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1.3.1 Main Objective

The main objective of this study is to explore the efficacy of the Culturo Technology Contextual Approach on student achievement and curiosity in cell biology.

1.3.2 Specific Objectives

The specific objectives of the study are:

1. To determine the impact of the Culturo Technology Contextual Approach on student achievement in cell biology.

2. To assess the effect of the Culturo Technology Contextual Approach on student curiosity in cell biology.

3. To examine the relationship between cultural relevance and technological tools in enhancing students' learning experiences in cell biology.

1.4 Research Questions

The study will address the following research questions:

1. What is the impact of the Culturo Technology Contextual Approach on student achievement in cell biology?

2. How does the Culturo Technology Contextual Approach influence student curiosity in cell biology?

3. What is the relationship between cultural relevance and technological tools in enhancing student engagement and understanding of cell biology?

1.5 Hypotheses of the Study

Based on the objectives and research questions, the following hypotheses are proposed:

Ho1: The Culturo Technology Contextual Approach will have a significant positive impact on student achievement in cell biology.

Ho2: The Culturo Technology Contextual Approach will significantly increase student curiosity in cell biology.

Ho3: There will be a significant relationship between the integration of cultural relevance and technological tools and improved student learning outcomes in cell biology.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study is significant in several ways. First, it contributes to the existing body of knowledge on innovative pedagogical strategies in science education by providing empirical evidence on the efficacy of the Culturo Technology Contextual Approach. Second, the findings of this study have practical implications for educators and policymakers who are seeking to improve student outcomes in challenging subjects such as cell biology. By demonstrating how culturally relevant and technologically enhanced teaching methods can enhance student achievement and curiosity, this study offers valuable insights for curriculum development and instructional design. Additionally, this research is relevant to the broader educational technology field, as it explores how the integration of cultural contexts with technology can create more inclusive and effective learning environments. The findings may inform future research and practice in the use of culturally responsive teaching methods across various disciplines.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The scope of this study is limited to the exploration of the efficacy of the Culturo Technology Contextual Approach on student achievement and curiosity in cell biology. The study will be conducted in secondary schools, focusing on students studying cell biology as part of their biology curriculum. It will also be limited to the use of specific technological tools and cultural contexts relevant to the participating students.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Culturo Technology Contextual Approach (CTCA): A pedagogical strategy that integrates cultural relevance with technological tools to enhance student learning.

Student Achievement: The measurable performance of students in cell biology, typically assessed through tests, assignments, and exams.

Curiosity: The desire of students to explore and engage with cell biology concepts beyond the requirements of the curriculum.

Cell Biology: A branch of biology that studies the structure, function, and behavior of cells, the fundamental units of life.