1.1 Introduction
Teaching and learning of computer science, like every other branch of natural science requires observation and learner centered activities. Class size appears to be one of the crucial elements that is often considered by educational planners in order to achieve the set out objectives in any educational system. This is because of the obvious negative implication of our crowded classroom on the teacher and the learner. Ozochie (2009) opined that to make the correct estimate of the resources needed is the function of population. This point suggests that the essence of having a definite number of learners in a classroom is to ensure that the resource which includes the teacher, the instructional materials, class space, seating arrangement among others are adequately provided for smooth teaching and learning (Ozochie, 2009).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
For many years, educators and people in general have debated on the number of students a teacher can work effectively to ensure students adequate learning. Although most people would agree that having a few student to teacher ratio would benefit the student academically, mainly will also argue that it does not guarantee success and would cost school a great deal or more money. Prior to reviewing the research, a clarification, of terms associated with the research, a clarification of terms associated with the research context is necessary.
Students achievement applies to making sure all students have the necessary skills and knowledge to function in school so that they may also succeed as adult (National Education Association, 2002). But others see a much broader, richer, picture and the state standards as something to be met on the way to the broader picture. Three areas that fit into the broader picture are academics, essential life skills and responsibility to the community. Definitions vary across the research spectrum, but for the purpose of this paper, small class size will be defined as classes with approximately 15 students, while large or regular class will be defined as classrooms with approximately 24 or more students (Harris and Plank, 2000).
The development of manpower in Nigeria will be incomplete if it fails to address the use of information and communication technology (ICT) with emphasis on computer Technology. The world is fast becoming a global village as a result of developments in information and communication Technology. The key instrument in this globalization through the concept of ICT is the computer (Kalu and Ekueme, 2003). A school of thought defines computer as a set of devices designed to work together to accomplish input, processing and output functions in order to accomplish tasks desired by a user (Robtyer, 2003).
The issue of poor academic performance of students in Nigeria has been of much concern to all and sundry. The problems are so much that it has led to the decline in standard of education. Since the academic success of students depends largely on the school environment, it is imperative to examine the impact variables of class size and school population on the academic performance of students in secondary school. Large class size quality of teaching and instruction delivery, overcrowded classrooms have increased the possibilities for mass failure and make students to lose interest in school. This is because large class size does not allow individual students to get attention from teachers which invariable lead to low reading scores, frustration and poor academic performance. In order to better understand the skill levels of students, it might be necessary to evaluate factors affecting their performance. These factors can include; school structure and organization, teachers’ quality, curriculum and teaching philosophies (Driscoill et al., 2003).
The use of ICT in teaching and learning involves improve access to internet services and provision of step sequences in learning process (Edafiogho, 2007). One of the relevance of the study is that it will help to develop the mends of the teachers and students towards the effective teaching and learning of integrated sciences in junior secondary schools. Realizing that there was no recent research work and perhaps any recent document to show the use of ICT in secondary schools particularly in the teaching and learning of integrated science as the junior secondary school level in the schools in Enugu, North local Government area, the researcher therefore intends to carry out a survey research on the relevance of information and communication Technology (ICT) for effective teaching and learning of integrated science.
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to compare the Junior Secondary School Student in Academic Performance in Computer Science and Integrated Science.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that considering the role and objectives of information communication Technology (ICT) in manpower building, in teaching and learning in the classrooms, most especially, some secondary schools in the area under study are still unaware of the full use of ICT. This may be due to a large number of factors, such as poor awareness campaign on the significant of ICT, unstable power supply in most areas, low level of investment on ICT educational programme, attitude of the users, huge efforts and time spent on ICT facilities, high level of poverty and absence of computer literacy personnel, among other factors.
Understanding the facts that schools, especially secondary schools serve as agent between the outside world and the immediate home whether local or urban. Therefore, it remains the best avenue through which the Technology of ICT could be transferred to the students as a means of effective teaching and learning especially in integrated science.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to compare the Junior Secondary School Student in Academic Performance in Computer Science and Integrated Science. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To determine the class size of junior secondary school Computer Science and Integrated Science students in the area under study;
- To ascertain the effectiveness of teaching and learning Computer Science and Integrated Science in junior secondary school in the area under study;
- To determine the contribution of ICT instructional materials towards the academic performance of integrated science student in junior secondary school in the area under study; and
- To determine the relationship between the use of instructional materials in teaching Computer Science and Integrated Science among Junior Secondary School Students in the area under study.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Is there any relationship between the use of instructional materials in teaching Computer Science and Integrated Science among Junior Secondary School Students in the area under study?
- What is the class size of junior secondary school Computer Science and Integrated Science students in the area under study?
- What is the effectiveness of teaching and learning Computer Science and Integrated Science in junior secondary school in the area under study?
- What is the contribution of ICT instructional materials towards the academic performance of integrated science student in junior secondary school in the area under study?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: There is no significant relationship between the use of instructional materials in teaching Computer Science and Integrated Science among Junior Secondary School Students in the area under study
- H1: There is a significant relationship between the use of instructional materials in teaching Computer Science and Integrated Science among Junior Secondary School Students in the area under study
1.7 Significance of Study
This study has the potential to guide the policy maker about the present scenario of education system. They make the vision and may improve the situation through adopting a better policy about teachers. The study is also likely to guide for developing the education, standard for students teacher, ratio. This study is also important such that the findings made will help teachers to identify the reasons for the academic performances of students in large classes with high population and how they can address the problems. It will provide comprehensive information for educational planners, educators, and parents on how they can assist students to cope in large classes.
This research work will lead to further in-depth study on the impact of class size and school population on the academic performance of students in computer and other subjects. It will serve as a contribution to knowledge in the subject area. In this regards, it will be useful for other researchers who might want to carryout research in related areas.
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Comparison of the Junior Secondary School Student in Academic Performance in Computer Science and Integrated Science using Warri-South Local Government Area as a case study.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
1.10 Definition of Terms
Education: The process or art of imparting knowledge, skill and judgment.
Learning: An act in which something is learned.
Academic: Pertaining to or characteristics of a school.
Performance: The act of performing, carrying into execution or action, achievement and accomplishment.
