THE EFFECT OF COMPUTER ASSISTED INSTRUCTION ON GENDER AND PERFORMANCE OF JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN MATHEMATICS

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Mathematics is the background of science and technology and no Nation can achieve any measure of scientific and technological advancement without proper foundation in school mathematics. According to Abiodun (2005) while science is the bedrock that provides the spring board for the growth of technology, Mathematics is the ‘GATE’ and ‘KEY’ to the sciences. It is core subject that is compulsory at the primary and secondary school level of education and in addition, a credit pass on Mathematics in the senior secondary certificate Examination (SSCE) is a requirement for admission into all science related courses such as medicine, pharmacy, engineering among others even the social sciences and art related coursed. Mathematics is also important in every life in that most effective solutions of everyday basic human problems involved the use of mathematics either directly or indirectly.

For instance the need to calculate the quantity of materials needed to build a store house, quantities of fuel that could be use for a journey, use of operation research in quadratic, linear and integer programming and indirectly through the professional activities in Engineers, Lawyers, Doctors among others, are everyday examples of the use of mathematics.

1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

From a layman point of view, Computer is an electronic machine that can store, organize and find information, do calculations and control other machines. The issue of parity and disparity in the performance of male and female students in mathematics as formed an important focus of research for some years now. Computer as been noted to facilitate the learning of mathematics and other subjects, it is effective in removing sex bias in mathematics achievement. The issued of computer and achievement in mathematics with regards to gender is still bleak. There is no globally accepted stand advanced for the presence of the influence of computer-assisted instruction on gender and achievement. The study focused on the impact which computer assisted instructions could have on the performance of junior secondary school students in mathematics. It is ascertain the fact that computer boost male performance in mathematics better than females or vise-visa, bearing in mind the possibility of any other tested outcome.

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

There is a wide assumption on the existence of gender related differences in the achievement of secondary school students in mathematics irrespective of the method used. The issue of computer assisted instruction (CAI) can make a difference. Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) can be capable of neutralizing any prevalent gender related weaknesses in learning mathematics and promoting equality in the achievement of both male and female students. The truth or falsity of those claims is the major concern of this study.