PROSPECTS AND PROBLEMS OF INTEGRATED SCIENCE AS A BASIC FOR STUDYING SCIENCE IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL IN ILORIN TOWN

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page                                                                                          i

Approval Page                                                                                  ii

Dedication                                                                                        iii

Acknowledgements                                                                          iv

Table of Contents                                                                             vii

Abstract                                                                                           viii

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study                                                                1

Statement of the Problem                                                                4

Research Questions                                                                        5

Purpose of the Study                                                                       6

Research hypotheses                                                                      7

Significance of the Study                                                                 8

Scope of the Study                                                                           8

Operational definition of Terms                                                      9

CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Introduction                                                                                     10

The Status of Integrated Science in School Curriculum               10

Problem Associated with the Teaching of Integrated Science in Secondary School                                                                        12

Prospect of Integrated Science in secondary school curriculum 18

Appraisal of the related literature reviewed                                  23

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODS

Introduction                                                                                     24

Research Design                                                                              24

Population for the study                                                                 24

Sample and Sampling Techniques                                                 25

Research Instrument                                                                      25

Procedure of Data Collection                                                          26

Scoring of the Instrument                                                               26

Method of data analysis                                                                  26

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA ANALYSIS

Introduction                                                                                     27

Data analysis and results                                                               27

Hypotheses Testing                                                                         31

Summary of Findings                                                                      34

CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Discussion                                                                                       36

Conclusions                                                                                     39

Recommendations                                                                           40

References                                                                                        43

Appendix                                                                                          44

ABSTRACT

          The study investigated the problems and prospect of Integrated Science as a basis for studying science at Senior Secondary School level in Moro Local Government Area. Data were collected for 200 purposely selected science teachers from the schools. Data collected were analyzed using frequency count, percentage t-test and ANOVA.

          The results indicate that even there is a good prospect of using Integrated Science for science; it is bedeviled with many problems which could limit the chance of future scientists. On the comparison, there were no significant differences in the N.C.E., graduates professional teachers and non – professional teachers’ perception of problems and prospects of science for studying science at SSS level. However, significant differences were observed on the basis of experienced and less experienced teachers. Based on this outcome, it is recommended that professional science teachers and science equipments should be provided to all laboratories in schools.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background to the Study

          For any nation to be recognized among the committee of nation, that country need to improve it’s scientific and technological know how. These can only be achieved through well and articulated, science education, if those concerned with designing of educational policy, develop the science curriculum in ways that are aimed at improving scientific knowledge and positive attitude toward science. They can also be achieved by exposing the younger ones to sciences from the junior secondary school (i.e. JSS) level of their education through the integrated science curriculum.

          Integrated science is a basic science subject offers at junior secondary (JSS 1 – 111) level of Nigerian educational system of education. It is the integration of the basic concepts of the major science subjects like Biology, Physics, and Chemistry aimed at preparing them for the study of science in their senior secondary school (SSS) level of education.

          According to the National Policy on Education (2004) the junior secondary school will be both prevocational and academic and will teach basic subjects which will enable pupils to acquire further knowledge and skills (PAR 19(4) p.17). The importance of the above statement cannot be overemphasized. First of all, integrated science teaching is expected to use students’ basic knowledge as indicated above. This will in turn feed the different sciences at SSS level in preparation for studies as the tertiary institutions. Thus, these groups will constitute the nations future scientists in medicine, pharmacy, engineering and the like.

          In furtherance of these objectives, there is need for provision of science teachers to the teaching of integrated science. The over populated students at this level (Adegbite, 1991) provide laboratory facilities and equipments used as the chemicals for experiments. Fatola (1992) pointed out it, is when these have been provided that the authorities can be said to have laid down the foundation for science and technology.

          But Akanbi (1998) noted that there are many problems that frustrate efforts of realizing the aims of science education in Nigeria. According to him, the most notable of these is the non-science principals of secondary school. This is because they do not understand and appreciate or recognize the need to improve science in their schools. They tend to every subject irrespective of their importance, to be rated equally.

          The government policy is adversely affecting the effective teaching process of science education. This is because, education has been politicized. All these and other constitute problems of science education, integrated science inclusive.

          More local government area of Kwara State has about seventeen (17) secondary schools. In these schools, integrated is taught as a core subject at the SSS level. Even though about three over five of the schools have what can be called laboratories. Most of them are empty in terms of facilities and equipment science teachers in these schools can also be described as inadequate.

Statement of the Problem