Factors Militating Against The Effective Teaching – Learning Of Computer Science In Junior Secondary Schools
(A Case Study Of Enugu North Local Government Area)
The effective teaching and learning of computer science in junior secondary schools face several challenges. One significant factor is the lack of qualified instructors with expertise in computer science, which hampers the delivery of comprehensive and engaging lessons. Additionally, inadequate infrastructure and resources such as computers, software, and internet connectivity limit hands-on experiences and practical learning opportunities for students. Limited funding for educational technology initiatives further exacerbates these challenges, hindering schools from investing in updated equipment and software. Furthermore, outdated curricula that fail to adapt to advancements in technology can lead to a disconnect between classroom instruction and real-world applications, impeding students’ ability to grasp modern concepts in computer science. Moreover, societal perceptions of computer science as a challenging subject may discourage student interest and participation, affecting their motivation and engagement levels in the classroom. Addressing these issues requires concerted efforts from policymakers, educators, and stakeholders to prioritize investment in teacher training, infrastructure development, curriculum reform, and promoting the value of computer science education in junior secondary schools.
This project work is designed to investigate the Factors Militating against Teaching – Learning of Computer Science in Junior Secondary School in Enugu North Local Government. This work aims at finding the problems facing the teaching-learning of computer science in junior secondary schools in Enugu North L.G.A, to identify the teaching method used by teachers in teaching-learning of computer in junior classes in Enugu North L.G.A, to identify the problems facing teachers and students in teaching- learning of computer science in Enugu North L.G.A. etc. In the collection of data, the researcher used the following methods; the sample size is 20, sample techniques were randomly selected while the data obtained were analyzed using frequency tables and percentage.
Title page
Approval page
Certificate
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Table of contents
Abstract
CHAPTER 1:
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
1.2 Statement of the problem
1.3 Purpose of the study
1.4 Significance of the study
1.5 Scope/Delimitation of the study
1.6 Research questions
CHAPTER II:
REVIEW OF RELATIVE LITERATURE
2.1 Definition of terms the studies
2.2 The Historical, Concepts/concept of computers 10
CHAPTER III:
RESEARCH METHODS
3.1 Research design
3.2 Area of study
3.3 Population of the sample and sampling techniques 32
3.4 Instrument for data collection
3.5 Method of data analysis
CHAPTER IV:
DATA PRESENTATIONS AND ANALYSIS
Data Presentations and Analysis — 35
CHAPTER V:
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Major findings of the study
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendations
5.4 Area suggested for data further studies
References
Appendix
INTRODUCTION
The factors militating against the effective teaching-learning of computer science in junior secondary schools in Enugu North L.G.A. Enugu are those factors that make the subject not to be properly understood by the students.
They are those limitations that create ineffective understanding of computer to students in junior secondary school in Enugu North L.G.A. Enugu State.
The research highlighted some factors that contributes to it. They include:
i. Instructional materials used
ii. The categories of teachers
iii. Teaching methods used
iv. Problems facing teachers and students
v. Physical environmental factors
1.1 Background of the Study
The worlds are advancing at a rapid rate. Events have moved to the electronic stage with computer at the center. This development has brought a lot of innovations and revolution into teaching and learning. The 3R’s which forms the nucleus of the old system of education has witnessed series of literacy reforms. The world is now in the age of hence there is need to keep abreast with time.
One of the ways of achieving this is through the introduction of computer into our institutions of learnings
John Ugoji (2006) explains computer as an electronic machine that performs tasks. Such as calculation or electronic communication under the control of a set of instruction called programmes. The programmes usually resides within the computer and are retrieved as processed by the computer’s election.
He want further into defining computer as an electronic machines that has the ability to accept data, process data and retrieve data i.e. gives out the result as information.
Okolo Lawrence (2007) describes the term “computer” as an electronic machine or gadget that accepts data as input and process them electronically to produce the desired output or information with the aid of a set instructions.
Computer can be generally defined as an electronic device that accepts data, process the data and brings out the result of the data as an information. Involving computer science into teaching-learning as a case in Enugu North Junior Secondary Schools simply means that teaching should carry a definition of computer during learning for easy understanding.
In this case, teaching according to Nicholas .O. Anyanwu (2006) means a systematic, rational and organized process of transmitting knowledge, attitude and skills in accordance with professional principles. He also said that teaching has come to be a complex task and should involve only professional teachers into the system in order to transmit the knowledge of the computer to the learners properly.
The learners that are mentioned here are the students of junior secondary schools in Enugu North L.G.A. of Enugu State that studies computer science. Wikipedia (2010) describes learning as a change in behaviour based on previous experience. This learning therefore involves processing of various types of information.
1.2 Statement of Problem
The world as it is today has become computerized. That is to say that everything and almost all the activities of today is are computerized. Going by this, it therefore becomes very important that every body should have the knowledge of computer, starting from the junior secondary or even primary school. This is very important for young children in order to be able to cope with any computer challenges that may arise.
Computer science is a technical subject which demands a skillful teacher to handle it, if the students should be expected to perform well in it. Following this assertion, we know that the junior secondary schools in Enugu North L.G.A. are faced with problems that hinder the effective teaching-learning of all the subjects especially-computer science.
1.3 The purpose of the Study
The overall purpose of this study is to identify factors militating against the effective teaching – learning of computer science in some junior secondary schools in Enugu North L.G.A. of Enugu State.
Specifically, the purpose of the study are:
i. To identify the teaching method of used by the teacher during computer classes.
ii. To identify the types of instructional materials used in the process of teaching-learning of computer science.
iii. To identify the categories of teachers that are teaching computer science.
iv. To identify the problems facing the teachers and students during teaching learning of computer science
v. To identify the physical environmental factors in that area
1.4 Significance of the Study
The findings of the study will be important to the teachers of computer science and also the learners while learning the subject. By so doing, it will help them to improve on their teaching method.
The teacher will benefit because it will avail them the opportunity of discovering the teaching method to be used and the materials suitable for teaching-learning of computer science in junior secondary schools.
It will enable them to discover the areas that they need to help the computer teachers improve on. It will equally lead to the discovering of students problems or weaknesses in the study of computer science. To the students, they study so as to enable them to identify their own problems in the study of computer science.
1.5 Scope of the Study
This study is meant to cover the junior secondary schools in Enugu North L.G.A. of Enugu State. It will equally discuss the method of teaching-learning of computer science.
The study will as well study the problems facing the teachers and students in teaching–learning of computer science and also the physical environment factors.
1.6 Research Questions
The following questions were asked to guide the study
i. What are the various methods used in teaching and learning of computer science in junior secondary schools in Enugu north. L.G.A.
ii. What are the various types of instructural materials used in teaching – learning of computer science in junior secondary schools in Enugu North.
iii. What are the problems facing teachers and students during teaching – learning of computer science in junior secondary schools in Enugu North.
iv. What are the physical environmental factors that exits during the teaching – learning secondary schools in Enugu North L.G.A.
The effective teaching and learning of computer science in junior secondary schools can be influenced by several factors, both internal and external. These factors can militate against the successful delivery and absorption of computer science education. Some of these factors include:
- Lack of Qualified Teachers: One of the primary factors is the shortage of qualified computer science teachers. Many schools struggle to find educators with the necessary expertise and training in computer science to effectively teach the subject.
- Inadequate Teaching Resources: A lack of modern teaching resources such as up-to-date textbooks, computers, software, and internet access can hinder the effective teaching of computer science.
- Outdated Curriculum: The curriculum for computer science may not be updated regularly to keep up with the rapidly evolving field. This can result in students learning outdated or irrelevant information.
- Insufficient Time: In some educational systems, computer science is given limited instructional time, making it challenging to cover the necessary topics in depth.
- Inadequate Infrastructure: In many junior secondary schools, there may be a lack of necessary infrastructure like computer labs, which is essential for practical learning.
- Student-Teacher Ratio: Large class sizes can limit the teacher’s ability to provide individualized attention and support to students, which is crucial in computer science education.
- Perception of Difficulty: Some students and parents may perceive computer science as a difficult subject, leading to a lack of interest and motivation to learn.
- Gender Imbalance: There can be a gender gap in computer science education, with fewer female students choosing to study the subject due to societal stereotypes and biases.
- Teacher Training: Inadequate training for teachers in computer science can result in ineffective teaching methods and a lack of confidence in delivering the material.
- Assessment Methods: If the assessment methods are not aligned with the learning objectives, it can create a disconnect between what is taught and what is tested, leading to confusion among students.
- Socioeconomic Factors: Students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may not have access to computers and the internet at home, putting them at a disadvantage in computer science education.
- Curricular Overload: In some educational systems, students are overloaded with a wide range of subjects, leaving limited time for in-depth learning in any one subject, including computer science.
- Lack of Career Guidance: Students may not be aware of the career opportunities available in computer science, which can affect their motivation to learn the subject.
Addressing these factors requires a concerted effort from educational authorities, schools, teachers, and the community. Providing adequate resources, training, and support can go a long way in improving the teaching and learning of computer science in junior secondary schools.