Perception of Junior Secondary School Students on Teachers’ Attitude and Competence in Basic Science Teaching in Sokoto State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated perception of junior secondary school students on Teachers’ Attitude and Competence in Basic Science teaching in Sokoto State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey method was employed in the study.

The population consists of 4,823 JS III students and sample consists of 342 JS III students drawn from nine (9) secondary schools within Sokoto State.

Stratified sampling technique was used to select the schools where respondents were drawn. Four research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. The instruments for data collection was 40 items questionnaire designed by the researcher. The instrument was validated by experts including my supervisors.

The reliability index for attitude is 0.74 while that of competence is 0.78. Analysis of data was done using simple percentage and Chi- square statistical tools were used to analyze the data collected from the field.

The major findings of the study are, Majority of Junior secondary schools students in Sokoto State perceived that their Basic science teachers’ have positive attitude in dis-charging their duties i.e teaching.

There is no significant difference in the perception of male and female JS III students on the Attitude of Teachers Teaching Basic Science as a subject in junior secondary schools located in Sokoto State.

The study recommended among others that teachers of Basic science should try as much as possible to show positive attitude to the teaching of the subject.

Introduction

1.1 Background of Study

Science in modern time becomes critical factor in the determination of the economic well being of any nation. Science is acknowledged as an important part of every child’s education.

The role of science in a society cannot be overemphasized; it is explicitly clear that classification of countries according to their status reflect levels of science and technology advancement (Soyibo, 1983).

Wasagu (2007) observed that the present demarcation where some countries are referred to as developed, developing and underdeveloped is nothing but enmeshing bluntant truth in obscured language.

The classification is rather scientific or technological. It simply refers to scientific and technologically literate societies or nations and scientifically illiterate ones of which Nigeria is third ranked after Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Ajiboye (2005) stated that education in its entirety has a lot of influence on its recipient such as modification in outlook, sharpened in consciousness, refined in personality, widened in horizon, cultured in mind and also fine-tuned in attitude.

Science education can be seen as learning of science by acquiring and developing conceptual and theoretical knowledge through scientific inquiry and problem solving.

Olarinloye (2007) saw science education as the identification, development and use of talents, processes and skills for societal progress.

Science education is one of the areas in the wider world, which shaped and molded the character of the 21st century especially in technologies which have revolutionized the way we live and think.

References

Aba, C.O.(2003).Universal Basic Education for National Survival: The Place of Primary and Basic Science. Benue State University Journal of Education. 4(1), 161-171
Adejoh, M. J.(2006).Evaluation of the integrated science and Introductory Technology Programme in Junior Secondary Schools in Benue State. An Unpublished Ph.d thesis, University of Jos: Jos.
Adeniyi, E.O. (2002).Feedback on National Science Curricula NERD Newsletters, No.5 Vol.II.
Adipere, Es. (2010).Sustainable Agriculture, A Salvage to Economic Crisis: The Role  of Biology Teachers. 51st Annual Conference proceeding of STAN.
Afe, J. O. (2001).Reflections on Becoming a Teacher and the Challenge of Teacher Education. Inaugural Lecture Series 64.Benin City: University of Benin, Nigeria.
Agbo, F. O. (2009). Perfect in M. Mankilik Proceeding of Primary Science Panel Workshop, Lagos: Mukugamu and Brothers Ent.

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