THE ATTITUDE OF JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL PUPILS TOWARDS COMPUTER SCIENCE
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
When many individual think of the word computer, they think of an electronic unit with mystical power, they see the computer as a source of deep dark mystery, controlled by skilled scientist and mathematicians, who are to find out the answers to seemingly complicated and profound problems. Some individuals see the computer as a number crooning machine. Thus the computer means many things to many things to many people and so it safe us to say that computer is a general purpose machine.
According to Mason (1998) the need for computer is only revealed by the need of the language of communication among academic discipline.
The important of computer science to pupils in their future carriers cannot be overemphasized. Computer penetrates every aspect of modern life it is not surprising therefore to observe the serious involvement of interested association such as computer science teacher association (C.S.T.A) National Association of Science Teacher (N.A.S.T) e.t.c in finding solution to the problems that militate against the teaching of computer in our junior secondary school (J.S.S).
These problems which result to poor performance of students in the subject strongly influence the attitude of students towards computer.
Alabi (1995) declared that “a major problem of computer is the dislike of computer concept. Some people claim that one need a special ability to do computer but this neither is nor true. Hence a basic computer science education for all pupils in the junior secondary is no longer luxury but an absolutely necessity for survival in the computer and space age. The pupils therefore should be exposed to the basic principle of they are to perform effectively and efficiently in their chosen career in future.
In view of the importance of computer to the society, the Nigerian government have introduced new computer science syllabus which is entitled “primary education computer curriculum which ought to be embarked upon junior and senior secondary school level.
Hence it is clear that the government lays a great emphasis on science which computer is bedrock.
Mohammed (1990) in his contribution to the importance of the subject said that for any nation that wants to make meaningful impact in transforming the society through science and technology attention must be given to science engineering, medicine, agriculture, banking and finance e.t.c
According to Hardy (1993) a computer science like a painter and poet is a maker of pattern. Computer is a study of services subject to science and technology, commerce assist their work and many careers that pupils will taken upon living school are going to demand not only general computer knowledge and ability but also mark specialized computer techniques.
Therefore the computer science is a subject that has been considered as abstract by pupils; due to its abstract nature very little attention has been paid to their subject computer and this is why research is carried out.
STATEMENT OF PROBLEMS
– Lack of knowledge and dedicated teachers to handle the subject at early stages of the student’s education for a solid foundation.
– General laxity in discipline in school since student’s grade of performance is a reflection of the school standard of discipline.
– Lack of teaching aid to drive which has reduced self reliance on the part of the students
– Frequent examination expo which has reduced self reliance on the part of the students
Hence the researcher has decided to tackle the problems which choosing this project topics in order to help solve the problems research on pupils attitude towards computer
PURPOSE OF STUDY
The purpose of this study is to find the attitude of J.S.S pupils towards computer science in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State.
computer is a very important subject in making of computer operation but in their studies and utilization in their studies and utilization in their future careers, the growing dislike for computer in our school is attaining serious dimension and of the situation is not brought to a halt, the result may ultimately price a great injury to our future scientific development.
In addition many teachers adopt very tedious method in teaching computer science. They neither teach short method nor encourage the difficulties of pupils finally, an attempt will be made of giving useful suggestion with the view of finding solutions to some of this problem in computer.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The role of knowledge of computer in the life and progress of a nation and individual especially at the scientific and technological age is immense.
It is the researcher opinion that the study will highlight the attitude of J.S.S pupils towards computer science in Oredo local government area of Edo state as well as the important of computer to the government, parents and the student it is essential therefore that J.S.S pupils should benefit from the available opportunity to the study of computer to at least school certificate level.
Thus the research is significance as it sake to contribute towards this by identifying the obstacles from suggestions from possible solution.
The research will serve as a child purpose and the lay the foundation for further research on the topic.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
Based on the problems of the study, the following are formulating will examined;
1. Do student find computer as a practically difficult subject?
2. Do student find computer as a tool for understanding modern technologies?
3. Do students find computer as helping them in everyday life?
4. Do students really understand when teaching them?
5. Do student really appreciate the usefulness of computer?
THE SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The topic of this research is the study of attitude of J.S.S pupils towards computer in Oredo local government area of Edo state. The research is going to be carried out in the five junior secondary schools.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
To allow easy understanding of this work the following terms are defined as follows;
Qualified teachers: in this content a holders of the Nigeria certificate of education (N.C.E) B.ED and P.HD degrees in computer education
Bias: having the hatred for something making you not to like that particular thing.
Expo: the act of using this particular object secretly or to see examination question before examination.
Drive Home: to bring into a balance way or understand and rounding it up.