Journal VOL. 2 NO. 2, September. 2021, ISSN: 2811 - 2628
Teaching Chemistry With Computer Simulation: Would Senior School Students Perform Better?
Oladejo Adekunle, Akinola Victor Olu, Nwaboku Nwabuno
ABSTRACT
This study investigated the effect of the use of computer simulation on learners’ achievement in chemistry at the Senior Secondary School level. It also examined the effectiveness of computer simulation on students’ higher-order cognitive achievement. The study was conducted in Ado-Odo-Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. Two schools were purposively selected within the area of study. The research design was a quasi-experimental design using the pre-test, post-test non-equivalent group design. The instrument used to gather data was the electrolysis and electroplating achievement test (EEPAT) which had a reliability coefficient of 0.76. A total of 83 SS2 chemistry students comprising 51 females and 32 males participated in the study. The experimental group was taught with the aid of computer simulation while the control group was taught with the traditional lecture method. The data (pre-test and post-test scores) collected was anlaysed using ANCOVA since the participants were not randomly assigned to the groups. The study found a statistically significant difference between the performance of students taught using computer simulation and those taught with the traditional lecture method [F(1,80)=49.34; p< .05]. It was also found that the experimental group showed superiority over the control group in higher-order cognitive achievement. Hence, the study concluded that computer simulation is a useful facility for improving students’ performance in chemistry and promoting meaningful learning. Based on the findings of this study, we recommended that the government and school proprietors should strive to provide the basic technological facilities such as computers, projectors, projector screens, and internet facilities that will be needed by the teachers to deliver effectively. To ease this demand, we advise that school authorities and the teachers look in the direction of improvisation where necessary and possible.
Keywords: Computer, Simulation, Chemistry, Learning, Electrolysis
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