Effects of Computer Assisted Instruction on Male and Female Students’ Achievement in Basic Science in Jos Metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) on male and female students’ achievement in basic science in Jos metropolis, Nigeria. The study adopted pretest and posttest quasi experimental control group design with a sample of 153 Junior Secondary School two basic science students from two schools. These were randomly assigned into control and experimental groups. A Basic Kinetic Achievement Test, BKAT (r = 0.74) consisting of 30 multiple choice questions was used to collect pretest and posttest data. A CAI package on kinetic theory of matter was used as treatment instrument for experimental group while lecture method was used for the control group. Descriptive statistics and t- test for independent samples were used to analyze the data. The results showed statistically significant difference in the performances of students in the experimental and those in the control groups. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the achievements of male and female students taught using CAI. The study recommended that instructional materials such as computers and its accessories be provided by government and school administrators to facilitate quality teaching and learning. Teachers should be trained during pre-service and in-service programs to acquire skills in the use of CAI strategy.