Effects of Activity-Based Learning Approaches on Basic Science and Technology Students Achievement in Junior Secondary School, Niger State

Abstract

This study investigated effects of activity-based learning approaches on Basic Science and Technology students' achievement in junior secondary school. Three objectives, three research questions and three hypotheses were set for the study. The population for the study was 1,552 students in Junior Secondary School II in Minna and Bida Local Government Areas of Niger State. The design for the study was quasi-experimental using pretest posttest non-randomized control group with an intact class. The sample consisted of 52 students, (29 experimental group. 23 control group). (Genderl6 males and II females). Two instruments, Basic Science and Technology and Technology> achievement test (BSTAT) and Basic Science and Technology Interest Inventory (BSTII) were used. The instruments were subjected to validity and reliability test. The result obtained from trial testing was used to determine the reliability coefficient for BSTAT and BSTII using K-R20 (Kuder Richardson) and Cronbach alpha respectively. The reliability coefficient of BSTAT and BSTII is 0.73 and 0.77 respectively. The BSTAT was re-administered to the same 20 Students to test for the stability of the instrument since the BSTAT would be used for both pre-test and post-test in view of the research design. The scores from the two tests were calculated using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. The calculated Pearson r is 0.69 which was considered good enough. The data collected were statistically analyzed using t-test. The results showed that significant difference exists in the achievement and interest of subjects in Basic Science and Technology taught with web-based software teaching strategy’. The application of Multiple Classification Analysis (MCA) showed that students taught with web-based learning strategy achieved and developed more interest significantly than those taught with lecture method. Based on the findings, web-based learning strategy is more effective in the enhancement of students' academic achievement and interest in Basic science and technology. The study recommended that the teaching of basic science and technology should be very flexible to incorporate: new strategies. Web-based learning strategy should be adopted and integrated into the Junior Secondary School Curriculum.