CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
From the perspective of promoting standard based science education, the instructional technique or method employed plays important role in learning important ideas and skills if standard based education is to become a reality in the nation classroom (Tyson, 1997).
Methods are the tools of the teacher for reaching the set goals and objectives. The effective teacher has multiplicity of methods at his disposal and must be prepared to select the ones, which will be most effective for leading the learners to desired behaviour. Educational methods sometimes called techniques are ways and means adopted by teachers to direct the learners’ activities towards an objective. It is therefore a process of cognitive, affective and psychomotive development whose aim is to mould the learners towards a total contribution to the development of the learners and the community (Durosaro, 2002). In achieving this by the teacher, there is the need to improve on the instructional methods in the teaching and learning process especially in teaching science subjects.
Man is greatly dependent on science and technology. This is because the future hope for a better scientifically and technologically developed countries lies in science education not only for attainment of paper qualification but to aid them adjust to such technological devices as may affect their daily lives.
Science is a classified body of knowledge which includes Biology, physics, chemistry, and so on. A sound knowledge of science education is very important for the management of our natural resources including provision of adequate food and healthy environment. For instance, biological sciences is essential to all forms of life including plants and animals and other living and non-living components. It also plays important role towards achieving self-reliance in the life of individual (Dutta, 1996; Umeh, 1999).
Despite the frantic efforts made by government to enhance the teaching of science by employing qualified graduate teachers, provision of well-equipped laboratory, prompt payment of wages, and sponsoring of sector to science programmes, yet results of students performance, especially at external examination shows a decline.
Therefore, this study is set out to investigate if appropriate teaching methods is used in teaching science could yield a better performance. Such teaching methods include demonstration method and programmed instruction method, lecture method and so on.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Efforts have been made by government to improve students’ performance in sciences. Since teachers lack adoption of educational methods in teaching sciences, poor performance of students in sciences will be inevitable. The question is “Does the method used in the teaching of science affect students’ performance?” This is a problem, which this study intends to solve. The study also intends to find answers to the following questions.
1. Can demonstration method bring the needed improvement in students’ performance in science?
2. Can programmed instruction method bring the needed improvement in students’ performance in science?
3. To what extent does gender difference influence the effectiveness of demonstration method in teaching science?
1.3 Objectives of the Study
Specifically, the purpose of this study is to investigate if the use of demonstration method in the teaching of science will improve students’ performance in Biology
The study will reveal the state of activities in our school system and suggest the way out.
