Effects of E-Learning on Retention and Performance of Basic Science and Technology Students in Minna, Niger State

Abstract

This study investigated “Effects of e-learning on retention and performance among Basic Science Students in Minna, Niger State”. The research design adopted for the study was a Quasi-experimental control group design which employed a pretest, posttest, and post- posttest of the experimental and the control groups. The population of the study consisted of 4,870 JSSII Students from forty-one schools in Minna. Four schools were selected as sample for the study with a total number of 200 students. The instruments used for the study was Basic Science Performance Test (BSPT) with reliability coefficient of 0.89. The instrument was validated by two experts from the department of science education, Federal University of Technology, Minna. Intact classes of JSSII was used for the study. Four research questions were answered using descriptive statistic of mean and standard deviation, while four research hypotheses were formulated and tested using t-test at P≤0.05 level of significance. One of the hypothesis answered was there is no significant difference in the level of performance between students taught Basic Science concept using e-learning and those taught using Lecture Method. Major findings of the study revealed that the use of e-learning has positive effect on Students’ Retention and Performance among Basic Science Students. Based on the research findings recommendations were made among which include, that Basic Science teachers in Junior Secondary Schools in Minna should be encouraged to use the e-learning in teaching and learning of Basic Science as it improves students’ performance; Both the State and the Federal Government should organize workshops, seminars and talk shows for Basic Science teachers on how to use e-learning in the teaching and learning process.