ENHANCING THE TEACHING/LEARNING OF BASIC SCIENCE THROUGH THE USE OF MODELS AND CHARTS IN NIGERIAN SECONDARY SCHOOLS

ENHANCING THE TEACHING/LEARNING OF BASIC SCIENCE THROUGH THE USE OF MODELS AND CHARTS IN NIGERIAN SECONDARY SCHOOLS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background Of Study

In the late 1960s, basic science and technology emerged as a subject area in Nigeria, and its teaching and learning have since been institutionalized in schools (Vincent, 2009). This is due to one of science education’s goals of piqueing students’ interest in science and technology. Basic science addresses both substance and procedure. Fundamental science has always been interested in some aspect of integration. We chose content using a conceptual approach (Akpan, 1999). A spiral approach was used to organize the information into teaching units. Topics were to be introduced at a basic level and then expanded upon as the child’s intellect developed and became capable of grappling with such scientific processes and knowledge.

With rapid global scientific and technological advancements

The global problem of declining student achievement in science courses has resulted in international efforts to reform basic science (Ozcan & Genc, 2016; Torres & Vasconcelos, 2017). Science and technology advancement are critical to modern civilization (Uzunboylu & Tugun, 2016). Teachers are encouraged to create strategies that will increase students’ interest in and achievement in science and related fields.

Notably, no country can afford to ignore basic science education at any level and expect to thrive in any field of human endeavor. Every civilization requires basic science to function properly. It is the source of resources necessary for any nation’s socioeconomic, scientific, and technological development. Basic science, according to Olatoye (2002), lays the groundwork for careers in science-related fields.

by providing students with the necessary information about specific knowledge, abilities, and attitudes.

However, the rate of poor science performance among secondary school students in general, and basic science in particular, is alarming. Okeke (2007) observed that basic science performance has deteriorated over time.

Instructional materials, on the other hand, may have a significant impact on students’ academic achievement in basic science. A wide variety of items can be used as instructional media for teaching and learning (Okoye, 2015). The study will focus on the effective use of models and charts in basic science learning.

1.2 Problem Description

Although the federal government of Nigeria has made significant efforts to enhance the educational system in Nigeria, there are still considerable gaps in students’ academic

performance in basic science. The issue of children’s science deficiencies, particularly in basic science at a higher level, requires grassroots investigation (primary school level). Among the challenges that teachers and students face when teaching and learning basic science are a lack of models and charts, outdated infrastructure, and insufficient classrooms.

As a result, research is needed to examine the factors that influence basic science teaching and learning, as well as to establish the significance of using models and charts in basic science education. The goal of this study is to determine the impact of model and chart usage on the academic performance of basic science students in Umuahia, Abia State.

1.3 The Study’s Objectives

The research is primarily concerned with

In Nigerian secondary schools, models and charts are being used to improve basic science teaching and learning. As a result, the research will be focused on the following specific goals:

1. Identify the factors influencing basic science teaching and learning in secondary schools.

2. Determine whether the use of models and charts improves the effectiveness of basic science teaching and learning in secondary schools.

3. Determine whether there is a difference in academic performance between students taught with charts/models and those taught without models/charts.

1.4 Research Issues

The following questions will guide the research:

1) What factors influence the teaching and learning of basic science in secondary schools?

2) Does the use of models and charts improve the effectiveness?

Basic science education and learning in secondary schools?

3) Is there a difference in academic performance between students taught with charts/models and those taught without models/charts?

1.5 Importance Of Research

The study on the effect of models and charts on student academic performance in basic science will be extremely beneficial to the entire secondary schools in Umuahia, Abia State in the sense that it will educate both teachers and students on the use of models and charts and their effect on student academic performance by comparing the academic performance of students taught using charts and those taught using models. Finally, the research will add to the body of existing literature and knowledge.

in this field of study and serve as a foundation for future research.

1.7 Field of Study

This study is designed to improve basic science teaching and learning in Nigerian secondary schools by utilizing models and charts. The study will, however, identify the factors influencing the teaching and learning of basic science in secondary schools, ascertain whether the use of models and charts improves the effective teaching and learning of basic science in secondary schools, and determine whether there is a difference in academic performance between students taught with charts/models and those taught without models/charts. The research will be limited to a few secondary schools in Umuahia, Abia State.

1.7 Study Limitations

Financial constraint- Inadequate funds tend to

impede the researcher’s efficiency in locating relevant materials, literature, or information, as well as in the data collection process (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint- The researcher will conduct this study alongside other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

1.8 Term Definition

Models of teaching: According to Joyce and Weil, a model of teaching is a plan or pattern that can be used to shape curriculums (long-term courses of study), design instructional materials, and guide instruction in the classroom and other settings (1980)

Charts: Charts are materials used to make thinking visible during the learning process by recording strategies, processes, cues, guidelines, and other content.