THE PROBLEMS MILITATING AGAINST EFFECTIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF COMPUTER SCIENCE IN JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS

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

1.1 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 filed 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.

1.2 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.

1.3 Research Questions

For the purpose of this research, the following research questions have been raised:

(1) What is the literate level of teachers handling computer science in junior secondary schools in Igbo-Eze North?

(2) To what extent has the instructional materials been provided for the teaching and learning of computer science among the junior secondary schools in Igbo-Eze North?

(3) what is the level of provision of infrastructure that would enhance the teaching and learning of computer science in junior secondary school in Igbo-Eze North.

1.4 Purpose of study

The following constitute the purpose for carrying out the study:

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?

1.5 Significance of the study

The following significance have 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.

1.6 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. 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. Learner: The subject of the teacher

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 some one.

11. System: A definite method of achieving desired result.