About me
Dr. Mary Ideba Anari is a Lecturer in the Department of Physical Science Education, Faculty of Science Education, University of Calabar, Nigeria. She holds a Ph.D. in Education Chemistry from the University of Uyo, as well as an M.Ed., PGDE, and B.Sc. Ed. in Education Chemistry from the University of Calabar. With about fifteen years of teaching and academic experience, Dr. Anari specializes in Science and Chemistry Education, innovative instructional strategies, technology-enhanced learning, blended learning, virtual laboratories, inquiry-based learning, and culturally responsive teaching. Her research focuses on improving students’ achievement, conceptual understanding, interest, engagement, and retention in science.
She has served in various academic and administrative capacities, including undergraduate project coordinator, research supervisor, examination officer, academic adviser, and member of departmental and faculty committees. She has also examined more than 2,000 O-level Chemistry scripts for WAEC and NECO. Dr. Anari has published research on virtual laboratories, inquiry-based learning, web-based instruction, culturally responsive teaching, blended learning, flipped classrooms, virtual field trips, and other innovative approaches to science education. She is a member of the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria(STAN), the American Chemical Society (ACS), and the Association of Teachers in Tertiary Institutions of Nigeria (ASSOTTIN). She is registered with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria. Her professional commitment is centred on advancing science education through research-informed pedagogy, educational technology, teacher development, and contextually relevant innovations that promote meaningful student learning.
Dr. Mary Ideba Anari is a Lecturer in the Department of Physical Science Education, Faculty of Science Education, University of Calabar, Nigeria. She is a science educator and researcher with a strong academic background in Chemistry Education and extensive experience in teaching, assessment, curriculum implementation, educational research, and technology-enhanced science instruction. She holds a Ph.D. in Education Chemistry from the University of Uyo, a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Education Chemistry, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), and a Bachelor of Science Education (B.Sc. Ed.) in Education Chemistry from the University of Calabar. Dr. Anari has approximately fifteen years of teaching experience and is committed to creating student-centred, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating learning environments. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes the integration of innovative instructional strategies, practical activities, cultural resources, and digital technologies to improve students’ academic achievement, interest, motivation, conceptual understanding, and retention. She has taught learners from pre-nursery through senior secondary school in areas including Chemistry, Basic Science and Technology, and Civic Education, and has considerable experience in classroom management, assessment, instructional-material development, laboratory management, and the adaptation or improvisation of laboratory apparatus.
Her research interests centre on science and chemistry education, innovative pedagogy, technology-enhanced learning, culturally responsive teaching, blended learning, virtual laboratories, inquiry-based learning, and the improvement of students’ academic achievement, engagement, interest, and retention in science. Her research approach is strongly evidence-based, with particular interest in instructional strategies that connect scientific concepts to students’ everyday experiences and promote meaningful and sustainable learning. In addition to her teaching and research responsibilities, Dr. Anari has undertaken a range of academic and administrative roles at the University of Calabar. She has served as an undergraduate project coordinator, examination officer, academic adviser, undergraduate research supervisor, and member of the departmental Quality Assurance Committee and Faculty TRCN Committee. Earlier in her university career, she served as an Administrative Assistant in the Department of Mathematics, where she was involved in student course registration, enrolment, internal correspondence, and coordination of activities related to the National Youth Service programme.
Dr. Anari is also experienced in educational assessment and examination administration. As a Chemistry examiner for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO), she has evaluated the chemistry examinations of more than 2,000 students. This experience has strengthened her understanding of assessment practices, students’ learning difficulties, and the relationship between instructional practices and academic outcomes. Her scholarly work demonstrates a sustained interest in improving science education through innovative instructional approaches. Her publications have examined topics including virtual laboratories, inquiry-based learning, web-based instruction, culturally responsive and ethno-chemistry teaching, jigsaw instructional methods, virtual field trips, blended instruction, flipped classrooms, concept mapping, students’ personal factors, scientific attitudes, and the role of chemistry education in entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
Dr. Anari actively participates in academic conferences, workshops, and professional development programmes. Her professional development activities have included research-grant skills, online classroom delivery, virtual lecture delivery, academic writing, and science and education conferences. She has participated in national and international academic events, including the Annual National Conference on Education, conferences of the Association of Teachers in Tertiary Institutions of Nigeria, the New York African Studies Association Conference, and faculty-level scientific and educational conferences. She holds professional certifications in digital literacy and information technology and is professionally affiliated with organizations including the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN), American Chemical Society (ACS), and Association of Teachers in Tertiary Institutions of Nigeria (ASSOTTIN). She is also registered with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria. As an educator, Dr. Anari is characterized by a strong commitment to professional integrity, collaboration, continuous learning, and student success. She brings to her academic work classroom experience, research expertise, educational assessment, technological competence, and a commitment to developing innovative approaches to science teaching and learning. Her professional goal is to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of science education through research-informed pedagogy, effective teacher education, technology integration, and contextually relevant educational innovation. Dr. Anari's academic profile reflects a sustained commitment to advancing Chemistry and Science Education through research, innovative teaching, professional service, and the development of learning environments that enable students to understand, appreciate, and apply science meaningfully.