CHALLENGES OF TEACHING AND LEARNING COMPUTER SCIENCE IN JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS

    ABSTRACT

With the advancement of technology across the globe, the need for acquisition of computer and other information technological skills continues to grow. In order to respond to the increasing trend sweeping over the world, Nigeria introduced the learning of computer into secondary schools. The aim of introducing the teaching and learning of computer in secondary schools is part of the effort of eradicating media illiteracy and promoting technological development. Furthermore, computer science was introduced in junior secondary schools such that a student who has completed junior secondary education can employ computer skills for meaningful and productive jobs. However, this goal is still not wholesomely achieved as there are numerous challenges limiting successful teaching and learning of computer science in junior secondary schools. Therefore, the study carefully examined those factors mitigating against the teaching and learning of computer science in junior secondary schools in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State.

Simple random sampling technique was used in the selection of the research sample in which five public secondary schools were selected. The study further used stratified sampling technique to select ten students from five schools.  The sample was made up of both male and female students. The study revealed that ineffective teaching methods and techniques in the teaching and learning process of computer science can have adverse effects on the students’ performance; lack of computer systems for teaching and learning of computer science can make lesson delivery rigid, diminish learners’ experience and limits learning opportunities; lack of computer accessories can negatively influence the teaching and learning and learning of computer science and unavailability of necessary infrastructure on learning process of computer science can decrease students’ engagement.

It was hence recommended that; the state government should employ more qualified and competent teachers in computer science to different junior secondary schools in Ovia North East Local Government Area, the government should provide a well-equipped computer laboratory to our junior secondary schools, adequate practical class should be held in schools. Practical classes should be given double periods in the school time table for effective teaching and learning, the teachers should endeavor to make use of science laboratory facilities during teaching and also improvise equipment where applicable, and then non-governmental organizations and good spirited individuals should assist the government in providing computer systems and accessories to the public junior secondary schools so as to increase students’ engagement during computer science lessons.