This work centred around the impact of political science learners’ support services on instructional delivery in Nigerian universities using the Department of Political Science, Imo State University as a case study. The qualitative method using historical/content analysis and the quantitative method using descriptive survey design were employed as the research methodology while the mean (X) and simple percentage (%) statistical tools were also used for the purpose of data analysis. Four research objectives and four research questions guided this research activity. Discoveries from critical examination of available data portrayed that, a majority of learners’ support services were not available and that only a few of them can be found in the department of political science in Imo state university for proper instructional delivery. Moreover, over-populated classrooms, small sizes of classrooms, poor funding for the provision and management of these support services as well as poor learning environment are some of the factors limiting the effective and efficient application of these support services in instructional delivery in the department of political science of Imo state University. Hence, it is recommended that, enough financial resources should be provided for the procurement/maintenance of support services, lecturers should be properly trained and retrained in the use of learners’ support services in addition to the provision of conducive learning environment by making available larger/quality classroom blocks and by moderating the quality/number of students’ intake per academic session.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Statement of the Problem
3. Research Questions
4. Methodology
5. Scope of the Study
6. Theoretical Framework
6.1 Traditional Sensory Stimulation Theory
6.2 Facilitative Learning Theory
7. Brief Clarification of Major Concepts
7.1 Political Science
7.2 Learners’ Support Services
8. Presentation and Analysis of Research Question One
9. Presentation and Analysis of Research Question Two
10. Presentation and Analysis of Research Question Three
11. Presentation and Analysis of Research Question on Four
12. Findings and Policy Implications
13. Recommendations
14. Conclusions
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This academic work investigates the impact of political science learners’ support services on instructional delivery at Imo State University, examining availability, utilization, challenges, and solutions to improve academic performance.
- Impact of learners' support services on instructional delivery
- Availability and accessibility of academic and non-academic support facilities
- Student academic performance and retention rates in political science
- Challenges confronting effective utilization of educational support systems
- Valuable solutions and policy recommendations for higher education improvement
Excerpt from the Book
Theoretical Framework
For the purpose of this work, two theories acted as our intellectual guide, namely;
i. Traditional Sensory Stimulation Theory
This theory asserts that, effective learning occurs when the senses are stimulated (Larid, 1985). Larid in a work cited a research finding that showed how a vast majority of knowledge held by adults (75%) were gained via seeing while 13% of such knowledge were gained through hearing and 12% of such adult knowledge were gained via touching, tasting and smelling.
According to this theory, by stimulating the senses especially the visual sense, learning can be enhanced. Moreover, this theory posits that, when multi-senses are stimulated, greater learning takes place. In addition and for the purpose of achieving a multi-senses stimulation, the various senses are stimulated using a variety of colours, facts’ presentations, volume levels of strong statements and the media etc. In relation to the topic of this research, it is very vital to note that, students can retain higher knowledge when they see as well as touch whatever teaching and learning materials that are used in training them. The above statements are valid proofs in support of the urgent need for proper and adequate provision of all relevant support services that can help the teaching and learning processes.
ii. Facilitative Learning Theory
This theory is also known as the Humanist Approach to learning. The proponent of this theory is Carl Rogers and the basic premise on which this theory rests on is that, learning will often occur when the educator acts as a facilitator by establishing a conducive environment devoid of threats from external factors and in which the learners can comfortably consider new ideas (Larid, 1985).
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Outlines the philosophy, mission, and major objectives of the political science discipline regarding student development and critical thinking.
Statement of the Problem: Details the historical decline in student examination performances and degree classifications within the department.
Research Questions: Formulates the core inquiries regarding support service availability, utilization extent, operational challenges, and remedial solutions.
Methodology: Explains the mixed qualitative and quantitative research design utilizing historical analysis, descriptive surveys, mean scores, and percentages.
Scope of the Study: Defines the topical, geographical, and temporal boundaries covering Imo State University from 2015 to 2019.
Theoretical Framework: Establishes the intellectual foundation using the Traditional Sensory Stimulation Theory and Facilitative Learning Theory.
Brief Clarification of Major Concepts: Defines fundamental terms including political science and learners' support services.
Presentation and Analysis of Research Question One: Evaluates data regarding which specific support services are available and accessible to students.
Presentation and Analysis of Research Question Two: Assesses the extent and cognitive, affective, and systemic impact of utilizing support services.
Presentation and Analysis of Research Question Three: Identifies major infrastructural, financial, and administrative challenges confronting service utilization.
Presentation and Analysis of Research Question on Four: Proposes and validates actionable solutions to resolve identified support service deficiencies.
Findings and Policy Implications: Summarizes empirical discoveries and discusses their theoretical and practical implications for modern higher education.
Recommendations: Offers concrete policy proposals for government funding, staff training, and facility expansion.
Conclusions: Reasserts that robust support services are vital ingredients necessary to bring out the best in both lecturers and students.
Keywords
Political Science, Learners' Support Services, Instructional Delivery, Imo State University, Academic Performance, Higher Education, Educational Technology, Student Retention, Learning Environment, Resource Allocation, Pedagogical Methods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this academic work?
The study centers around examining the impact of political science learners' support services on instructional delivery at Imo State University.
What are the core thematic areas covered in the research?
The core themes include the availability of support services, student academic performance, utilization rates, institutional challenges, and policy solutions.
What is the primary research question or objective of the study?
The primary goal is to investigate how learners' support services affect instructional delivery, identify existing gaps, and determine effective solutions to improve student success.
Which scientific and research methodologies were employed?
The study employed a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative historical and content analysis with quantitative descriptive survey designs, using mean scores and simple percentages for data analysis.
What topics are addressed in the main body of the work?
The main body covers theoretical frameworks, conceptual clarifications, empirical data analyses for four major research questions, policy implications, and recommendations.
Which keywords characterize the scope of the publication?
Key terms include political science, learners' support services, instructional delivery, Imo State University, academic performance, and educational technology.
What specific academic department served as the case study for this research?
The research focused specifically on the Department of Political Science at Imo State University (IMSU) in Owerri, Nigeria.
What timeframe does the scope of this empirical investigation cover?
The study covers the academic period spanning from 2015 to 2019.
What major deficiency did the findings reveal regarding support services?
The findings revealed that the vast majority of modern ICT-based support services were unavailable, leaving students reliant on limited traditional approaches.
- Quote paper
- Ahmad Haido (Author), 2024, Nigerian Universities and Political Science Learners’ Support Services in Imo State University, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1788367