This study investigated the effect of computer simulations on the achievement and acquisition of computer skills in computer science by secondary school students (government owned single sexed schools). It was a quasi-experimental design research. A sample of four schools consisting of two hundred and thirty five (235) senior secondary one (SS 1) students from Awka South L.G.A of Anambra state were selected using purposive sampling technique.
The study was guided by four research questions and four null hypothesis tested at 0.05 level of significance. Two research instruments, namely the Computer Achievement Test (CAT) and the Computer Practical Skill Acquisition Test (COMPSAT), which have a reliability of 0.69 and 0.60, using Kuder Richardson formula 20 (KR-20), were used to collect data for the study. The mean and standard deviation statistics were used to answer the research question, while the ANCOVA and Z-test was used to test the hypothesis.
Table of Contents
- CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
- Background to the Study
- Purpose of the Study
- Significance of the Study
- Scope of the Study
- Research Questions
- Hypotheses
- CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
- Theoretical Framework
- Empirical Framework
- Summary of Literature Review
- CHAPTER THREE: METHOD
- Research Design
- Area of Study
- Population of the Study
- Sampling and Sampling Techniques
- Instruments for Data Collection
- Validation of the Instrument
- Reliability of the Instruments
- Administration and Scoring of the Instrument
- Experimental Procedure
- Validation of Lesson Plan
- Training of Teachers for the conduct of the study
- Control of Extraneous variables
- Method of Data Collection
- Method of Data Analysis
- CHAPTER FOUR: PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA
- Research Question 1
- Research Question 2
- Research Question 3
- Research Question 4
- Hypotheses Testing
Objectives and Key Themes
This study aims to investigate the factors affecting students' achievement in computer science and explore the effectiveness of using computer simulation in teaching the subject. The research seeks to identify solutions to improve students' understanding and performance in computer science.
- The impact of computer simulation on student learning in computer science.
- The challenges faced by students in learning computer science.
- Effective teaching methodologies for computer science.
- The relationship between teaching methods and student achievement in computer science.
- Analysis of student performance in computer science using various assessment tools.
Chapter Summaries
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION: This chapter sets the stage for the research by providing background information on the increasing importance of computer science across various fields. It highlights the need for improved computer science education, citing poor student performance in national examinations as a key concern. The chapter introduces the study's objectives, focusing on understanding the challenges students face and exploring the potential of computer simulation to enhance learning. The research questions and hypotheses are also clearly stated.
CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE: This chapter presents a comprehensive review of existing literature related to the study. It examines various theoretical frameworks relevant to computer science education, including constructivist theory, cognitive load theory, and Fitts and Posner's multi-stage theory of psychomotor skills. The chapter explores previous studies on the use of computer simulation in education, analyzing their merits, demerits and impact on student learning. A synthesis of these findings lays the groundwork for the proposed research methodology.
CHAPTER THREE: METHOD: This chapter details the research methodology employed in the study. It outlines the research design, the selection of participants, and the instruments used for data collection, including a Computer Achievement Test (CAT) and a Computer Practical Skills Acquisition Test (COMPSAT). The chapter thoroughly describes the procedures for data collection and analysis, ensuring the rigor and validity of the research process. The validation and reliability of the instruments used are also addressed.
CHAPTER FOUR: PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA: This chapter presents and analyzes the data collected through the research. It systematically addresses each of the research questions and hypotheses, presenting the findings in a clear and concise manner. Statistical analyses are used to interpret the data and draw meaningful conclusions. The chapter provides a detailed examination of the data, revealing patterns and trends relevant to the study's objectives.
Keywords
Computer science education, computer simulation, student achievement, teaching methodologies, cognitive load theory, constructivist learning, assessment, data analysis, research design, empirical study.
Frequently Asked Questions: Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a research study, including its table of contents, objectives, key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. It serves as an overview for those interested in understanding the study's scope and findings.
What are the main topics covered in the research study?
The research study investigates factors affecting student achievement in computer science and explores the effectiveness of using computer simulation in teaching the subject. Key themes include the impact of computer simulation on student learning, challenges faced by students, effective teaching methodologies, and the relationship between teaching methods and student achievement.
What is the structure of the research study?
The study is structured into four chapters: Chapter One (Introduction), Chapter Two (Review of Related Literature), Chapter Three (Method), and Chapter Four (Presentation and Analysis of Data). Each chapter addresses specific aspects of the research, from background and theoretical frameworks to methodology and results.
What research methods were used in the study?
The study employed a research design that included a Computer Achievement Test (CAT) and a Computer Practical Skills Acquisition Test (COMPSAT). The methodology section details the sampling techniques, data collection instruments, validation procedures, and data analysis methods used to ensure rigor and validity.
What are the key findings of the research study (as previewed)?
The preview does not provide specific findings but indicates that Chapter Four presents and analyzes the data collected, addressing research questions and hypotheses through statistical analysis to reveal patterns and trends related to student achievement in computer science and the effectiveness of computer simulation.
What theoretical frameworks informed the study?
The study draws upon various theoretical frameworks relevant to computer science education, including constructivist theory, cognitive load theory, and Fitts and Posner's multi-stage theory of psychomotor skills. These frameworks provide the theoretical underpinnings for interpreting the research findings.
What are the key keywords associated with this research?
Key keywords include: Computer science education, computer simulation, student achievement, teaching methodologies, cognitive load theory, constructivist learning, assessment, data analysis, research design, and empirical study.
What is the overall goal of the research?
The overall goal is to identify solutions to improve students' understanding and performance in computer science by investigating the factors affecting their achievement and exploring the potential benefits of using computer simulation in teaching.
- Quote paper
- Simeon AJUMOBI (Author), 2021, Effects of Computer Simulations on the Achievement and Acquisition of Computer Skills in Computer Science by Secondary School Students, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1061415
