ASSESSMENT OF TEACHING METHODS FOR COMPUTER SCIENCE MAJOR IN SELECTED NIGERIAN POLYTECHNICS
ABSTRACT
The research focuses on the methods of teaching computer science majors in selected Nigerian polytechnics.
It investigates the background, teaching methods, tools, and equipment used in teaching computer courses to computer science majors. The primary data for the study were derived from well-structured questions distributed to a random sample of 70 NDII students from federal polytechnic Nekede and Abia State Polytechnic and were supplemented with interviews. For validation of some of the findings as distributed, frequency labels, simple proportion percentage ratios, average, ranking, and chi-square (test for goodness of fit) were used.
According to the presented and analyzed data, textbooks are the most commonly used tool for teaching computer courses to computer science majors.
The computer was followed by textbooks, chalkboards, and computers, according to 20% of students.
The study also revealed that the lecture method, lecture with discussion practical assignment, and class discussions are the methods used to teach computer courses to computer science majors.
As a result, the researcher summarized and recommended that the NBTE (National Board for Technical Education) improve on teaching tools by providing enough computers for teaching and learning, and that the methods of teaching computer courses to computer science majors be maintained and, if possible, extended to other departments.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 General Introduction
1.1 Background of the research
1.2 Purposes and Objectives
1.3 Problems and their solutions
1.4 Purpose of the research
1.5 Investigational Question
1.6 The Importance of the Research
1.7 The scope of the research
1.8 The research’s limitations
Terms are defined in section 1.9.
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Review of Related Literature
2.1 A Historical Background
2.2 Review of the Teaching Methods Literature
2.3 Computer Instructional Techniques
courses for majors in computer science
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Research Methodology
3.1 Research strategy
3.2 Large sample size and a wide range of options
3.3 Instruments and procedures for data collection
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 Information Presentation and Analysis
4.1.1 Introduction
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 Executive Summary, Conclusion, and Recommendation
5.1 Executive Summary of Findings
5.2 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Appendix 1: References
CHAPTER ONE
1. OPENING
1.1 INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY
Education is an important sector that cannot be taken lightly by any serious country, state, organization, or individual, which is why an individual, organization, or government will go to any length to ensure that her citizens receive a good education (Adibe, 2001).
One means of implementing this provision is the inclusion of computer science as a course of study in polytechnics.
The study of the design and use of computer systems is known as computer science. One goal of the computer science department is to give students the tools they need to identify problems that are best solved with a computer and to design and implement effective, cost-effective, and creative solutions.
As an academic discipline, computer science is divided into three domains: theory, abstraction, and design.
The required courses in the curriculum provide students with a solid foundation in both the software and hardware aspects of computing, as well as the mathematics and science that underpin the discipline. Electives in later years allow students to delve deeper into a specific area of computer science. The department’s courses and programs are constantly evolving to meet the changing requirements for professional employment in computer science.
It is the student’s responsibility to understand and fulfill polytechnic and Department requirements. These requirements are described in detail because the polytechnic has gone out of its way to keep those individuals (computer operators) in various ways:
i. Obtain formal computer science education
ii To join the Nigeria Computer Society in its entirety.
Iii to reduce the number of non-professionals in the field.
A computer is an electronic device that is capable of receiving, sorting, and retrieving information at breakneck speed. When used effectively, a computer can assist teachers in teaching computer science students visually in all computer courses.
This study is attempting to identify those teaching methods used in teaching computer courses to computer science majors at selected Nigerian polytechnics based on an assessment of the methods of teaching computer courses to computer science majors.
According to McCathy (1989), common teaching methods include the lecture method, the lecture with discussion method, a panel of experts, Brainstorming, video tapes, class discussions, case studies, role playing, report-back sessions, worksheets/surveys, index card exercises, guest speakers, and values clarification exercises.
According to the IPSJ Journal (2001), the method of teaching computer science in a liberal arts department is from technique (creation) to theory (abstraction), or from practices to lecture.
There is a standard set of equipment and tools in a physical classroom, which usually includes audio-visual equipment such as a textbook, a chalkboard, a video-visual video player, and a tape recorder.
1.2 THE STUDY’S GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The study’s goals and objectives are to evaluate the methods of teaching computer courses to computer science majors at selected Nigerian polytechnics.
1. It investigated whether textbooks and chalkboards were the only teaching and learning tools used in computer courses.
2. It looked into whether multimedia instructional aids are used for both teaching and learning in computer science courses.
3. It looked into whether E-learning is used in the classroom to teach students about computers.
4. To investigate the most common computer course teaching methods for computer science majors.
1.3 THE PROBLEM STATEMENT
The goal of teaching computer courses in Nigeria Polytechnics is to provide students with the knowledge they need to identify problems that can be solved using a computer system and to design and implement them effectively.
Another goal of the research is to lay the intellectual groundwork for future professional development. The ability for students to reason logically is a cornerstone in this study. Many computer courses require students to be familiar with fundamental concepts.
However, there are some other issues to consider, such as:
– An insufficient number of lecturers to teach computer courses.
– A scarcity of instructional materials
– In their program of study, there is a lack of application of computers to real-world situations.
– Extreme abnormal dislike or fear of mathematics and dread of it (one of the credit required for one to study computer science).
1.4 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The study’s goal is to examine the methods of teaching computer courses to computer science majors.
Also, to prepare students to succeed in their professional careers in the face of rapidly changing technology. To be successful in this field, the student must possess certain knowledge, skills, and attitudes.
1.5 THEORY OF RESEARCH QUESTION
The study’s goal is to identify the tools and methods used in teaching computer science majors at Federal Polytechnic Nekede and Abia State Polytechnic.
The following critical questions have been addressed in order to conduct an effective study on the central theme of this work:
(a) What are the tools used in computer course instruction?
(b) Does your polytechnic have an Internet connection?
(c) How effective is the use of computers in teaching and learning?
(d) What are the most common computer course teaching methods, such as introduction to computers, computer packages, computer programming, and computer hardware maintenance?
1.6 THE IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY
Information technology (IT) allows for the use of computer-aided (CAL) systems to aid in student education and training.
This research will help computer science students understand both old and new teaching methods. It will help them understand how advances in computer science will make new applications and methods profitable.
1.7 THE STUDY’S OBJECTIVE
The study is aimed at Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri, Imo State, and Abia State Polytechnic, and it covers all phases of computer course teaching. The following wing topics will be addressed:
– Computer basics
– Software packages for computers
– Information Technology
– Hardware Maintenance for Computers
1.8 TERMS AND THEIR DEFINITIONS
COMPUTER An electronic device that can accept data, process it, and output results/information as part of an automatically stored program.
The study of computers The study of computer system design and use. It’s a chameleon of a discipline.
Teaching is a sublime communion of ideas that allows an inquisitive soul to open up to the light of knowledge.
Multimedia A method of presenting to the user a variety of information formats such as text, data, images, video, audio, and graphics.
Algorithms are mathematical formulas that are used to solve a problem or carry out an operation.
Animation Cartoons on television are one example of animation, which is a simulation of movement created by displaying a series of pictures or frames.
Program A set of instructions given to a computer to perform a specific task.
Virtual Not true. Something that is merely a simulation or illusion of the real world.
Videoconferencing A person-to-person discussion in which participants are located at different locations and use computer networks to transmit audio and video data.
Online Switched on and connected. When a user connects to a computer service via modem, they are considered online.
Do You Have New or Fresh Topic? Send Us Your Topic
ASSESSMENT OF TEACHING METHODS FOR COMPUTER SCIENCE MAJOR IN SELECTED NIGERIAN POLYTECHNICS