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, politicians 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 term average class size is a calculation of the total number of students in a grade level divided by the number of classroom sections in that school or school district. The relationship between class size and academic performance has been a perplexing one for educators. Studies have found that the physical environment, class overcrowding and teaching methods are all variables that affect students’ achievement (Molnal, et al 2000). Other factors that affect students’ achievement are school population and class size (Gentry, 2000, and Swift, 2000).
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, Halcoussis and Sony, 2003).
The premise that reducing class size can lead to improved teaching and learning is one that most teachers and parents would readily endorse (Kennedy, 2003). Given a choice between a classroom with 20 students one with 30 studnets, who would want to argue that the larger class would be a better learning environment for each students in that class. The major problems schools are running into is that then funding for these small class sizes is not available, that the funding for these small class sizes is not available., or is decreasing. Many states and school districts dealing increasingly with shortfalls in revenue are smaller classes. Advocates of small classes believes that small class size allow teacher to give more individualized attention to students, manage their classrooms more effectively and provide more effective instruction that leads to better students performance. In a smaller classroom, a teacher has more time to get to know each student personality and academic strengths and weaknesses, students receive more attention and are less likely to become discipline problems with less time spent on classroom management; teachers can focus more on classroom instruction and students learning.
Therefore, in Warri-South Local Government Area where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Effect of Class Size in Effective Teaching and Learning of Computer in Junior Secondary School.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that in most of our secondary schools today the teacher–student ration has gone far beyond the stipulation of the national policy on education. Students stay more than fifty in each class, seating arrangement altered, thereby making teaching and learning difficult. Educational planners in Nigeria have attributed the over bloated class size due to the explosion of the population of children of school age. Recently the Imo State Government through her a gently spliced most of the secondary schools located within the metropolis in order perhaps to expel the agony of overcrowded classroom.
The performance of junior secondary school students in Junior West African Examination Council in 2012 according to report made by (office of the statistics in PPSMB, 2012), calls for proper investigation of causes of poor academic performance of junior secondary schools students in Warri-South Local Government Area of Delta State. Although, several scholars have proposed various factors responsible for the poor performance of students, few researches has been dedicated to the correlation between class size, school population and academic achievement of students.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to investigate the Effect of Class Size in Effective Teaching and Learning of Computer in Junior Secondary School using Warri-South Local Government Area, Delta State as a case study. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To determine the class size of junior secondary school students in Warri-South Local Government Area;
- To ascertain the effectiveness of teaching and learning computer in junior secondary school in the area under study;
- To identify the policy guiding teacher-student ratio in junior secondary school in the area under study; and
- To determine the effect of class size in teaching and learning computer 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:
- Does class size really affect the teaching and learning in junior secondary school?
- Is there any relationship between class size and the teaching of computer in junior secondary school?
- Is there any policy guiding teacher student’s ratio in junior secondary school?
- Is there any relationship between class size and effective teaching and learning of computer in junior secondary school?
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 class size and effective teaching and learning of computer in junior secondary school
- H1: There is a significant relationship between class size and effective teaching and learning of computer in junior secondary school
Hypothesis Two
- H0: Class size has no significant effect on the teaching and learning of computer subject in junior secondary school
- H2: Class size has a significant effect on the teaching and learning of computer subject in junior secondary school
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.
This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Effect of Class Size in Effective Teaching and Learning of Computer in Junior Secondary School using Warri-South Local Government Area, Delta State as a case study.
1.9 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.
