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Relative Academic Performance Of Junior Secondary School Students In Computer Science And Integrated Science

(A Case Study Of Enugu North Lga)

5 Chapters
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59 Pages
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18,100 Words

Examining the relative academic performance of junior secondary school students in computer science and integrated science reveals distinct patterns and challenges within each subject domain. In the realm of computer science, students often demonstrate a keen interest and proficiency, driven by the increasing digitalization of society and the allure of technology. However, challenges such as access to resources, varying levels of prior exposure, and evolving curriculum requirements can influence performance disparities among students. Conversely, integrated science, encompassing a broader spectrum of scientific disciplines, presents a diverse landscape where students may excel in certain areas while facing difficulties in others. Factors such as teaching methodologies, practical application opportunities, and individual learning preferences contribute to the multifaceted nature of performance in integrated science. Understanding these nuances is crucial for educators to tailor instructional strategies and support mechanisms effectively, fostering holistic academic development across both subjects for junior secondary school students.

ABSTRACT

This study was on “Relative Academic performance of Junior Secondary School Students in Computer Science and Integrated Science from 2004 – 2008 (A case study of Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu State)
Three (3) research questions were answered and the population of this study is two hundred (200), which was made up of computer and integrated science classroom teachers, principals, head teachers, assistance head teachers, and students. Data were presented in table and were analyzed using the mean. The sampling technique used for this study is the simple random sampling and total sample size in sixty. Form the selected junior secondary schools in Enugu State; it was found out by the researchers that relative significances differences exist between the academic performances of students in junior secondary school, within the years under review. Besides, the problem of domain specification, underutilization of leaning resources and lack of experience among teachers affect students performance in computer and integrated science subjects at the junior secondary school level. It was concluded that among other things that teachers need to take assessment from the students to know or ascertain the extent and depth knowledge acquired after a course of study or programme of teaching.
The researchers recommended among others that many participative methods should be employed by the teachers in the teaching and learning of computer and integrated science delivery and excellent academic performance of students.

TABLE OF CONTENT

TITLE PAGE
APPROVAL PAGE
DEDICATION
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES
ABSTRACT

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background of the study
Statement of problem
Purpose of the study
Significance of the study
Research question
Scope of the study

CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATIVE LITERATURE
2.1 The level of junior students performance in computer and integrated science.
2.2 the student interest in computer and integrated science subjects.
2.3 the factors that contributed to their excellent or poor performance.
2.4 the possible measures to employ to review academic excellent in integrated and computer sciences.

CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODS
3.1 research Design
3.2 area of the study
3.3 population of the study
3.4 Sample and sampling technique.
3.5 instrument for data collection
3.6 validation of the instrument
3.7 reliability of the instrument
3.8 Methods of data Analysis.

CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
4.1 research question 1
4.2 research question 2
4.3 Research question 3

CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Summary of findings
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendation
5.4 Suggestions for further study
REFERENCES
APPENDIX – I QUESTIONNAIRE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The academic performance in junior secondary schools in the country has been of great concern to parents, scholars, educators and the government at large. A number of seminars, conferences, symposia and workshop have been organized to look into the academic performance in sciences in the junior secondary as a take off into determining the relative academic performance of students in science subject.
Some people are of the opinion that students performance in science subjects is on the decline. Conforming this view, Esezobar (1986) lament, only about No percent of Nigerian candidates who sat for the West Africa School Certificate Examination in the pervious years passed science subjects with credits. The impression from the forgoing citation is that the percentage of failure in science subject is on the increase. The fact that the problems of education has reached on alarming stage should not be over emphasized. There is the belief that the standard of education has fallen.
Many Nigerians and Newspaper columnist have written and aired there view on this on this issue. Akinpelu (1984) while working on the standard/quality in Nigeria education assets that the standard of Nigerian education has fallen. In recent years, it is a conventional claim which nobody in the right mind dares dispute.
In view of this, the researches are motivated to investigate the relative academic performance of the junior secondary in two science subjects (integrated Science and computer science) from the year 2004 to 2008 in Enugu North Local Government Area.
These two science subject are selected to be the tae off into determining the relative academic performance of junior secondary students in science subjects.
This is because these two science subject occupy a curriculum. They represent the foundation stone for subsequent instruction in science in later life, for pupils who may wish to pursue a science related career in life and an introduction to science for others who may wish to pursue either humanities based on vocational inclined studies.
Integrated Science for instance is the study of all the branches of science which includes Biology, Chemistry and Physics under one Umbrella in order to avoid repetition of subject matter from various sciences. It is the root of all the science subject. Apan (1983) looking at integrated science said that “it is a natural response to the shifting views of science that the environment and all its natural phenomena can best be understand in the context of a unified scientific approach”. Also Khabele, (1975 said that ‘it is only an integrated approach in the study of science at early stage that will prepare a scientist for a proper tae off into the existing world of science later in his school career”.

STATEMENT OF THE STUDY
The increase decline of students performance in science subjects is the concern of all. The ultimate aim of education is to provide knowledge of the world. In an effort to do this, knowledge has been divided into a system of studies called subjects with science as one of the elements of the system.
Integrated science therefore, attempts a unified view of the world thus some of these problems arose as a result of giving birth to integrated sciene and computer science in junior secondary school curriculum of our school system.
Some of these problems are:-
The academic performance of the junior secondary school on integrated science and computer science.
The competence of teachers teaching integrated science and computer science in our schools.
The interest of students in learning both subjects (integrated and computer science).
The availabilities of materials for teaching integrated science and computer science.
The availability of integrated and computer science laboratories.
Availability of a stand by generator income of proven failure.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
the major purpose of this study is to determine the relative academic performance of junior secondary students in integrated science and computer science from 2004 – 2008 in Enugu North Local Government Area.
Determine whether the students academic performance in integrated science computer science from 2004 – 2008 is:-
Excellent
Very good
Good
Fair
Poor
If excellent , what can be done to maintain the excellent level?
If poor, what can be done to revive the ugly condition?
factors that contributed to the excellent or poor performance of the students in integrated science and computer science from 2004 – 2008.
determining what can be done to retrieve academic excellent in integrated and computer science among junior secondary student.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The society at large, government, policy makers, schools, teachers, guidance counselors, parents, students, educators will benefit from this research.
This study will help them to understand and appreciate relative academic performance of the junior secondary school in integrated science and computer science from 2004 – 2008. The researchers believed that the knowledge which would be uncovered in the study would assist integrated and computer science teachers and student teachers in the formulation of methods, programmes designed to maintain or retrieve excellent academic performance among junior secondary school students in both integrated and computer science. It will equally serve as an effective tool for reference purpose to both students, scholars of education, teachers as well as the general pupils.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The scope of this study is limited to determine the relative academic performance of the junior secondary school students in integrated and computer science from 2004 – 2008 in Enugu North Local Government Area

RESEARCH QUESTIONS
what are the major roles of teachers in the teaching and learning of computer and integrated science in schools?
What are the problems conpronting teachers in the teaching and learning of computer and Integrated science subjects in junior secondary school?
What are the workable strategies for improving teachers and learners performances in the teraching and learning of computer and Integrated science subjects in school?

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The relative academic performance of junior secondary school students in Computer Science and Integrated Science can vary depending on various factors, including the curriculum, teaching methods, student interest, and teacher expertise. Here are some key points to consider:

  1. Curriculum and Syllabus:
    • Computer Science and Integrated Science are distinct subjects with different content and objectives. Computer Science typically covers topics related to computers, programming, and digital technology, while Integrated Science combines various aspects of biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences.
    • The curriculum and syllabus for each subject can influence student performance. A well-structured curriculum that is aligned with students’ developmental levels and interests can lead to better performance.
  2. Teacher Quality:
    • The competence and enthusiasm of teachers in these subjects play a significant role in student performance. Teachers who are knowledgeable and skilled in their subject matter and can effectively communicate and engage students tend to produce better outcomes.
  3. Student Interest and Motivation:
    • Student interest in a subject can greatly affect their performance. If students are more interested in Computer Science, they may be more motivated to excel in that subject, while they might struggle in Integrated Science if it doesn’t capture their interest.
  4. Resources and Facilities:
    • Access to resources, such as computer labs, textbooks, and educational software, can impact performance in Computer Science. Likewise, access to laboratories and practical equipment can affect performance in Integrated Science.
  5. Assessment Methods:
    • The methods of assessment used in each subject can influence student performance. Fair and well-structured assessments that align with the learning objectives can provide a more accurate measure of students’ understanding and performance.
  6. Support and Interventions:
    • Schools may offer additional support and interventions for struggling students. These can include tutoring, remedial classes, or extra practice sessions, which can help improve performance in both subjects.
  7. Cultural and Socioeconomic Factors:
    • Cultural factors and socioeconomic backgrounds can also influence performance. Students from different backgrounds may have varying levels of exposure and access to technology, which can affect their performance in Computer Science.
  8. Educational Policies and Practices:
    • Government policies, school practices, and educational reforms can impact the relative importance placed on these subjects, which in turn can affect students’ performance.
  9. Peer Influence:
    • The presence of peers who excel in a particular subject can positively influence other students’ performance. If a subject gains popularity and is seen as prestigious, more students may strive to do well in it.

In summary, the relative academic performance of junior secondary school students in Computer Science and Integrated Science is influenced by a complex interplay of factors related to curriculum, teaching, student motivation, resources, and societal influences. It’s essential to consider these factors holistically when assessing and improving student performance in these subjects.