CHAPTER ONE

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1   BACKGROUND OF STUDY

Science education is a key area of activity internationally. Science education is a major field of practice, with science (and individual science disciplines) being taught and learnt at various levels, both formally (for example in schools) and through more informal approaches (such as the learning that takes place when people visit science museums) all around the world. 

Fensham, (2004) In most countries, science is seen as a key component of schooling, and higher education in science subjects is usually considered of major importance for meeting societal needs such as ensuring the ‘supply’ of scientists, engineers and other professionals working in scientific fields and for ensuring sustainable economic development.

Forgus and Melamed have defined perception as “the process of information extraction” (2006). Forgus and Melamed based their description of perception on cognitive structures and according to them, “perceptions are the processes that determine how humans interpret their surroundings”.

According to Steward L. Tubbs & Stylvia Mors “Perception is an active process as one selectively perceives, organizes and interprets what one experiences. Interpretations are based on the perceivers past experiences, assumptions about human behavior, knowledge of the others circumstances, present moods / wants / desires and expectations.” According to D. Scott & Baydon “Perception is a selective process as eye is capable of sensing much more data then the brain is capable of processing. Six factors which enhance selectivity are background, intensity, extensity, concreteness, contrast, velocity and expressivity.”

Performance is defined as the observable or measurable behaviour of a person an animal in a particular situation usually experimental situation (Simpson and Weiner. 2009). This means that performance measures the aspect of behaviour that can be observed at a specific period. To determine performance, a performance test is conducted. Singer (2001) defined performance test as the type of mental test in which the subject is asked to do something rather than to say something. Performance test is the type of test which throws light on the ability to deal with things rather than symbols (Drever, 2001). In relation to educational research, academic performance of a student can be regarded as the observable and measurable behaviour of a student in a particular situation.

Therefore, we can equate academic performance with the observed behaviour or expectation of achieving a specific statement of or statement of educational intention in a research. Academic performance of students consists of scores obtained from teacher-made test, first term examination, and mid-term test. And so on.

1.2   STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

One of the definitions of perception is simply the process of information extraction; therefore student’s perception about science education simply lies on the information teachers of science education dish out to the students that can either make them like or dislike science education. The challenge of this could be that teachers that are in charge of science subjects like mathematics, biology, chemistry and so on may not be competent enough to teach the students the correct thing and also make them see that though it looks scary and a little bit difficult but that it’s definitely not what could be in their mind. It could also be that there are no scientific tools or apparatus and even adequate science laboratory which can enhance the teaching of science education and would even make it fun to learning. Finally, several research has been carried out on the science education and academic performance of students but not even a single research has been carried out on the assessment of students perception on science education on the academic performance in Gwagwalada council of Abuja.

1.3   AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF STUDY

        The main objective of the study is to assess student’s perception on science education on their academic performance. Other specific objectives of the study include:

1. to determine the extent to which students perception on science education affects their academic performance.
2. to determine the factors affecting student perception on science education and its effect on their academic performance.
3. to determine the effect of student perception of science education on their academic performance.
4. to proffer possible solution to the problems.

1.4   RESEARCH QUESTIONS               

1. What is the extent to which student’s perception on science education affects their academic performance?
2. What are the factors affecting student perception on science education and its effect on their academic performance?
3. What is the effect of student perception of science education on their academic performance?
4. What are the possible solutions to the problems?

1.5   STATEMENT OF RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

H0:   there is no difference in students’ perception on the effect of science education on academic performance.

H1:        there is difference in students’ perception on the effect of science education on academic performance.

1.6   SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY

        The study on the assessment of student perception on science education on the academic performance will be of immense benefit to the entire Gwagwalada council of Abuja in the sense that it will enable the schools and government to employ a competent and a dedicated teachers in the various schools in the state, teachers that will not instill fear about science in the minds of students, but the ones that can enable them to understand and embrace science education. More also, it will enable the government to equip the laboratory which can motivate the students and teachers to teach and learn effectively. Finally, the study will contribute to the body of existing literature and knowledge to this field of study and basis for further research.

1.7   SCOPE OF STUDY

        The study on the assessment of student perception on science education on their academic performance is limited to Gwagwalada area council, Abuja.

1.8   LIMITATION OF STUDY

Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

1.9   DEFINITION OF TERMS

Assessment     The action of assessing someone or something.

Students         Is primarily a person enrolled in a school or other educational institution who attends classes in a course to attain the appropriate level of mastery of a subject under the guidance of an instructor and who devotes time outside class to do whatever activities the instructor assigns that are necessary either for class preparation or to submit evidence of progress towards that mastery.

Perception      The way in which something is regarded, understood, or interpreted.

Science Education Is the field concerned with sharing science content and process with individuals not traditionally considered part of the scientific community.