TRENDS IN STUDENTS’ PERFORMANCE IN JUNIOR CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION IN BASIC SCIENCE

CHAPTER ONE

1.0        INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background of the Study

Basic Science is a branch of science that involves the fundamental system of acquiring knowledge using observations and experiments to describe and explain natural phenomena.

               Basic Science is referred to as a type of science where emphasis is placed on the unity of science and it is the only way of teaching  science in such a way as to present scientific ideas as a unified whole (Wikipedia,2014).

              The significance of Basic Science cannot be over emphasized as its application helps to acquire new knowledge of the underlying foundations of phenomena without regard for a particular method and it is undertaken primarily to improve the quality of living. The study of basic science helps to develop interest in science and technology. It helps to meet social needs by applying the basic knowledge and skills in science and technology. Advantages of the numerous career opportunities offered by the study of science are taken and basic science also prepares students for further studies.

               This study is aimed at the general direction in which students’ performance in Junior Certificate Examination in Basic Science is developing.

               The most innovative contribution of the National Policy of Education (2004) to the development and modernization of Nigerian educational system are in the area of secondary education. The policy prescribed a two tier secondary education lasting for a period of six years. A child is required to spend three years in junior secondary school and another three years in senior secondary school. Secondary schools are mostly state or federally owned, students attend junior secondary school for their grades seven (7) through nine (9).In the ninth grade, they take Junior Secondary Certificate Examination (J.S.C.E) to qualify for the limited number of opening in senior secondary schools. Those who do not do well in the exam may continue at the same school or transfer to a different school if they qualify.

1.2       Statement of the Problem

This study is undertaken to access the trends in students’ performance in Junior Certificate Examination in Basic science and to determine how teachers’ qualification and attitude affect students’ performance, to find out what has helped to facilitate both good and bad performance among students and how parents and students’ attitude affect academic performance.

1.3       Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this study is to find the continuous development and change in students’ performance in basic science. Specifically, it aims at:

1.      Finding out to what extent instructional materials are used to enhance students’ performance

2.      Ascertaining the extent teachers’ qualification and attitude towards teaching and learning can improve students in schools.

3.      Ascertaining how students and parents participation and interest in their children’s academics has helped to improve students’ result.

1.4         Research Questions

            This study is attempted to investigate the following:

1.      The extent to which the use of instructional materials has helped to enhance good performance of students.

2.      The extent to which the teacher’s qualification and attitude affect the students’ performance.

3.      The extent at which parents and students’ attitude affect the academic performance.

1.5       Research Hypothesis

            The following hypothesis will be tested in this study:

1.      The use of instructional materials has no significant effect on the performance of students.

2.      The teacher’s qualification and attitude have no significant effect on students’ performance.

3.      Parents and students’ attitude have no significant effect on academic performance.

1.6       Significance of the Study

This study is important because; it will help to know the strategies for improving achievements of students in Junior Secondary Schools. It will also help students’ right attitude to dedicate themselves more to their studies.

1.7       Scope of the Study

This study will be restricted to the trends in students’ performances in Junior Certificate Examination in Basic Science. The researcher attempt to gather data such as examination scores of students in some selected schools in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State.

1.8       Limitation of the Study

Challenges cannot be unencountered while this research work is been carried out which are likely to be the initial feeling of the managements and staff of the selected schools in releasing their broadsheets. Getting data of students’ scores in schools may also be a challenge as it requires financial commitment.

1.9       Delimitation of the Study

This study will be delimitated to the following:

·         Secondary schools in Abeokuta South Local Government

·         Students in Abeokuta South Local Government

·         Junior Secondary School students studying Basic Science

·         Five schools in Abeokuta South Local Government which include:

i)                    Asero High School, Asero, Abeokuta.

ii)                  Egba Comprehensive High School, Asero, Abeokuta.

iii)                Saje High School, Saje, Abeokuta.

iv)                Abeokuta Girls Grammar School, Onikolobo, Abeokuta.

v)                  Revd. Kuti Memorial Grammar School, Isabo, Abeokuta.

1.10     Definition of Terms

Trends: a general direction in which a situation is changing or developing

Student: a person who is studying at a school, especially a secondary school

Performance: This is how well or badly something is done.

Basic Science: a branch of science where emphasis is placed on the unity of science.

School: An Educational Institution.