THE PROBLEMS MILITATING AGAINST EFFECTIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

Abstract

The study centers on the problems militating against effective teaching and learning of computer science in junior secondary schools of Igbo –Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State. In carrying out the research above, data were collected through questionnaires administration and in depth interview. The simple percentage analysis method was used to analyzed the responses elicited from respondents. Also, chi-square was used in testing the hypotheses and meaningful conclusions drawn from there. It was discovered that factors such as lack of computer teachers for computer science, irregular computer science practical, lack of power supply, inadequate training for computer teachers among others contributes to the problems militating against the effective teaching and learning of computer science especially in the area of study

 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background of the study

The world today is assuming a global village through the use and application of information and communication technology (ICT). Ughamadu (2008) rightly notes that one will be in his office or residence and monitor the events that happen all over the world. This scientific discoveries and manipulations are made possible through the use of computers and other modern and ultra-modern and invention in the field of science and engineering. Computer as a tool has been exposed and it’s being utilized in the effective management of education in so many countries (Beker 1986, Herper 1987 and Urah 2005). Countries of the world are said to be developed or not depending on their level of educational development. For people to be fully integrated into the global system through the use of internet and other computer application, such persons ought to pass through the required training as offered by the teacher. The product of teaching (student) ought to be in a position not only to learn the subject but to harness all the necessary information and development of the computer. Computer science like every other aspect of natural science requires more of the students engaging in the observational and practical method of teaching. The teacher on his part should be equal to the task of not only ensuring that he or she monitor the behavioural change on the students in the processes of learning but also be in total compliance to the current technology in the computer world. According to Ezeora (1985), the level of computer literacy one attains gives one an edge over his or her counterparts with less level of computer literacy. Impact the desired knowledge of computer is no less the responsibility of both the teacher and learner hence, both have outstanding roles they play not only in acquisition of literacy but in the overall development of the educational system.

• STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Information and communication technology (ICT) is now a global phenomena and any nation that does not want to be left behind has to articulate measures to be connected to the positive side of the international digital device (Iyama 2005). Nigeria is no less an exception among countries of the world. But, the problem has been that since the invention of computer literate. Education being the bedrock of cultural transformation has not been able to address this problem as apathy noted by Agih (2008) that education holds the key to a better world for Nigerians and with the new development in education (computer literacy), it means that there must be a paralligm shift if our education system will be relevant in this information age. It is therefore the trust of this research to investigate the problem militating against the effective teaching and learning of computer science with particular reference to junior secondary school in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State

• OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The main objective of this study the problems militating against effective teaching and learning of computer science.  But for the successful completion of the study; the researcher intends to achieve the following sub-objectives;

1. To find out the literacy level of teachers handling computer science in junior secondary schools in Igbo-Eze North
2. To ascertain the extent instructional materials have been provided for the teaching and learning of computer science among the junior secondary schools in Igbo-Eze North
3. To find out the level of provision of infrastructure that would enhance the teaching and learning of computer science in Igbo-Eze North
4. To ascertain the significant relationship between effective teaching and learning of computer science and student performance on computer science

RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

For the successful completion of the study, the following research hypotheses were formulated by the researcher;

 H₀: there is no literacy level of teachers handling computer science in junior secondary schools in Igbo-Eze North

H₁: there is literacy level of teachers handling computer science in junior secondary schools in Igbo-Eze North

H₀²: there are no significant relationship between effective teaching and learning of computer science and student performance on computer science

H₂: there are significant relationship between effective teaching and learning of computer science and student performance on computer science

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The following significance has been outlined from the study:

1. At the end of the study, the result would be of immense importance to Nigeria in their bid to join other nations of the world in the global trend of computer science.
2. The study will be of value to students by exposing them on the best way to learn computers.
3. It would be of immense value to schools on the need to constantly send their computer science teachers on training.
4. It would boost the morale of students and teachers alike on the relevance of computers in today’s world.
5. It would serve as an instrument to enhancing teachers’ status.
6. It would also draw the attention of government on the need to provide the necessary resources both human and material to enhance teaching and learning of computer science

SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The scope of the study covers the problems militating against effective teaching and learning of computer science. The researcher encounters some constrain which limited the scope of the study;

1. a) AVAILABILITY OF RESEARCH MATERIAL: The research material available to the researcher is insufficient, thereby limiting the study
2. b) TIME: The time frame allocated to the study does not enhance wider coverage as the researcher has to combine other academic activities and examinations with the study.
3. c) Organizational privacy: Limited Access to the selected auditing firm makes it difficult to get all the necessary and required information concerning the activities.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. Computer literacy: Ability to apply the use of computers to solve minor problems.
2. Computer science: Computer can be defined as an electronic device that accept data as an input, store, process the data using a set of instruction to produce information as an output.
3. Computer world: Application of computer in solving problems.
4. Epileptic: Inconsistent
5. 5.  Global village: A social setting where people are connected through electronic media.
6. Learning: The process of assimilating what is being thought by the teacher.
7. 7.  Learner: The subject of the teacher
8. 8.  Literacy: Ability to read and write
9. Teaching: Impacting of knowledge from the teacher to the learner.

10 Teacher: All those involved in the process of impacting knowledge to someone.

11 System: A definite method of achieving desired result.

1.8 ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY

This research work is organized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as follows

Chapter one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the (overview, of the study), historical background, statement of problem, objectives of the study, research hypotheses, significance of the study, scope and limitation of the study, definition of terms and historical background of the study. Chapter two highlights the theoretical framework on which the study is based, thus the review of related literature. Chapter three deals on the research design and methodology adopted in the study. Chapter four concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding.  Chapter five gives summary, conclusion, and recommendations made of the study

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