CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
Every human being has an element of curiosity in him, which when added to interest leads an individual to be involved in the act of inquiry. However, the degree of which this act of curiosity develops in an individual defers. The act of inquiry is a fundamental part of science. Science as defined by professional; body ids an interconnected series of concepts and conceptual science that have develop, as a result of experimentation and observation and are fruitful of further observation and experimentation. Science deals with observation, testing of observed facts, hearing, seeing; touching learning materials for learning should be presented in a manner as to provide students with the opportunity to become actively involved intellectually, perceptually and physically.
Inspite of the varied idea people hold about science there is no doubt that science has formed an integral part of our well being and a vital instrument for rapid industrial development of any nation. It is therefore of great paramount importance for any nation to integrate science in her educational programme. Professor Babs Fafuwa once said that “a nation who overlook the significance of science in our age is at her own peril”. Science in this age he noted, has obviously become a necessary tool of good living, good health, good home making and to leisure and of paramount importance to national security. Hence most educational planners over the year have realized the essence of science as a useful element of nation building and have therefore attempted to give science subject the necessary attention in post primary education.
Most educational planner over the years have realized the essence of science as a useful element of nation building and have therefore attempted to give science subject the necessary attention in post primary education. Similarly, teaching of science should be as a way of taught, inquiry, attitude or as a product by laying emphasis on the importance of science instructional aids and invariably the need for the provision and use of necessary science equipment in the process of teaching chemistry . The science instructional material, according to Professor Babs “the role of science in Nigeria today and tomorrow” journal of science teachers association of Nigeria has been seen by pinchers tamir as “a place where students are engaged in hands and activities such as observation and experiments.
Science instructional materials in its ramification were used for the purpose of achieving specific purpose. Science teaching materials can be used to described things as they are for the description of principles and used to described things as they are for the description of principles and reversibility, hypothetic, reasoning and problem solving ability. The use of science teaching materials as a channel of communication promote the interest of students, focus, concentrate and gear the students attitude towards learning by practical. Science instructional materials promote effective and efficient instruction, facilitate and help to achieve behavioral objectives.
This study on the effect of the use of science instructional material on the performance of students in Chemistry at senior secondary school level will attempt to offer a broad base for the need to making the learning of science in particular to been seen as a way of thought of attitude or of products.
1.3 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
The main problem of this study is to examine the possible effects of the following:-
Do schools with appropriate science equipment perform better in senior school certificate examination than school without appropriate equipments? Do school with instructional materials and trained science perform better in science than school with science aids but untrained teachers in science? Do students in school were science equipment, make use of the equipment? Does the laziness of students affect the use of instructional material in schools? PURPOSE OF STUDY
The main purpose of this is to determine the effects of teaching aids on the performance on students in chemistry at senior school certificate examination level Edo state
It is assumed however that the final findings of this research work will provide basic for making useful recommendation that will help solve the problem.
HYPOTHESIS
In this study the following hypothesis will be tested
Those schools with appropriate science instructional materials perform better in senior school certificate in chemistry examination than schools without appropriate science instruction materials. That school with instructional material and trained science teachers perform chemistry in senior secondary school certificate examination than schools with untrained teachers in science. That schools where the students make use of the science instructional material is their chemistry classes perform better than schools, which make less use of the science instructional material in their chemistry classes. That student who makes use of science workshop perform better than students who make less use of science workshop. That the laziness of students towards practical lesson in Chemistry performs less than students who are always ready to practicalize science activities with improved materials.
1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY
The findings of this study is hoped would help the ministry of education in providing science instructional material or the teachers improvising the instructional material that are not available in secondary schools and facilitates the teaching Chemistry in secondary schools and facilitates the teaching chemistry in secondary schools.
The government will also be made aware of the need to professionalize teaching. It will also enable the government and other concern body to acquaint with science instructional materials that are impeded in secondary schools. The study will help the students to thinking and his/her own manipulate skill or ability.
The next effect of this however is the fact that the government stands to realize her desire aim, which is that of producing individual who is capable of acquiring appropriate skills, abilities and competence both mental and physical stands for individuals.
1.7 SCOPE OF STUDY (DELIMITATION)
Due to financial problem and time limit, the study will be limited to file secondary schools in some local government area in Edo State.
1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS
Science teaching material: – material which help to assist or promote the process of teaching Chemistry
Improvised Material: – teaching material locally made by the teachers, with any available matter.
Inquiry: The search for scientific information
Observation: – A systematic and carefully study of events.
Trained Teachers: – Teachers with educational qualification e.g. T.C II, NCE. B.ED, M.ED etc.