Effect of Language of Science on Upper Basic Students’ Interest in Basic Science in Benue State, Nigeria

Abakpa B. O., Adeniran S. A., Zam J. A.

Abstract


This study found out the effect of language of science on Upper Basic students’ interest in Basic Science. The study adopted quasi experimental pre-test post-test non-randomized group design. The population of the study was 1084 Upper Basic III students from 22 UBE schools in Makurdi. A sample of 138 students was drawn from four Universal Basic Education (UBE) schools using multi-stage sampling techniques. The schools were randomly assigned into Experimental and Control groups of two classes each. Intact classes were maintained in all the schools. Lesson plans were prepared for both Experimental and Control groups. Two research questions and two hypotheses were formulated answered using Mean and Standard Deviation and ANCOVA statistics respectively. Data was collected using Basic Science Interest Inventory (BSII). The reliability of BSII was established at 0.79. Results revealed that students taught genetic concepts with language of science have higher interest rating than those taught with Social language. However, the difference in interest rating between male and female students was not statistically significant. This indicated that language of science has effect on the students’ interest in genetics. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that teachers should integrate language of science in classroom teaching and learning activities.


Full Text:

PDF

References


Adejoh, M. J. & Ekele, G. E. (2014). Contemporary Issues in Science Technology and Agricultural Education. Makurdi: Micro Teacher and Associate.

Adekunle, A. (2008). African Language Vanguard Media Limited http://groups. syahoo.com/groups/African language/join/yahoo/ ID required.

Alebiosu, K. A (2008). Perspectives in Provisions for Science and Technology Education in Nigeria, The way forward: Journal of Research in science teaching 6(4): 1-19.

Brown, B.A. (2013). Language identity and the stress of learning science language. Uk Stanford university press.

Chomsky, N (1960). Acquisition of Syntax in children from birth. USA MAMIT Press.

Clerkin, S. O. (2008). Gender bridge. Encyclopedia of Educational Psychology Vol. 1 California Sage Publications Pp. 428-439.

David, E.F. (2006). Teaching Reading in Multilingual Classrooms; www. heinemann.com/products/eoo248. Aspx.

Ezeudu, F. O. (2012). Fundamentals of Science Education. Onitsha: Bels Books.

Fakeye, D. O. (2011). Primary School Pupils perception of the Efficacy of Mother Tongue Education in Ibadan Metropolis. Asian Social Science. 7(2): 72–79.

Federal Republic of Nigeria (2012). National Policy on Education (4th Ed.) Revised. Lagos NERDC. Press

Iweka, S. (2006). Effects of inquiry and laboratory approaches of teaching Geometry on students’ achievement and interest in mathematics. An unpublished M.Ed. Project. university of Nigeria Nsukka.

Jarret, D. (2009). The Inclusive Classroom: Teaching Mathematics and Science to English language learners. Oregon. Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory.

Mhile, Y. J. (2016). Effects of Co-operative Learning Strategy on Students’ attitudes and achievement in Basic Science in Benue State. Unpublished M.Ed. Thesis University of Agriculture, Makurdi.

National Teachers Institute (2011). Subjects and Methods of Integrated Science. A PGDE Module Kaduna, N.T.I. Press.

Nzewi, U. M. (2010). It’s all in the brain of gender and achievement in science Education. 51st inaugural lecture of university of Nigeria Nsukka.

Obiekwe, O. F. (2008). Effect of constructivist-based instructional model on senior secondary school students’ achievement in Biology. STAN proceedings of the 50th anniversary conference.

Okeke, E. A. (2007). Making science Education accessible to all. 23rd inaugural lecture of university of Nigeria Nsukka. P 237-273.

Okoro, A. U. (2011). Effect of discovery method on students’ achievement and interest In Biology. An unpublished M. Ed project University of Nigeria Nsukka.

Piajet, J. (1952). The origin and development of intelligence in children. New York: university press.

Sambo, M. A. H. (2015). Evaluation of the Implementation of Basic Science curriculum in North Central Zone of Nigeria. Unpublished Ph.D Theses of University of Agriculture Makurdi.

Sambo, M. H, Kukwe, I. J, Mahmuda, A. M & Egarri, S. O (2014). Comparative analysis of students’ interest in Basic Science in Nassarawa state. Journal of Education and practice vol. 5 online.

Science Teachers Association of Nigeria. (2013). Cultural perspective to the reading of Science, Technology and Mathematics. 43rd Annual Conference proceedings of STAN. 19–25.

Upu, F. T. (2015). Effects of Co-operative Instructional Strategy on Students’ Achievement and Retention in Basic Science in Benue State. Unpublished M.Ed. Thesis University of Agriculture, Makurdi.

Vine, E. W. (2009). Language across curriculum. The language learning potential in science text. Eric document reproduction service number 424763

Vygostsky, L. (1934). Mind in Society: The development of higher Psychological Process Cambridge: MA Harvard University Press.


Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.