Chapter one
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Science and technology are concepts in national development which
remain indelible in the mind of African and third world leaders
according to Ochu and Ekezie (1974).
In Nigeria science was introduced into secondary school system as far back as (1880).
It was first taught as general science and later speared into
physics, chemistry and biology. With the introduction of the core
science subject, the general science came to be seen as the science
subject which was suitable for the less able and it was recommended to
the least science oriented and for those who do not intend to pursue
science. Syllabus was therefore devised to contain basic elements of
biology, chemistry and physics, which should be taught primarily to
pupils in the low secondary school classes. (Anani 1977).
Although attempts were made to raise the status of general science
with the introduction of a double credit O/level, yet people still
questioned the rationale of mere putting together subjects. There was in
the early sixties a new wave of thought about science in school rather
than open into professional restricting under the conditions of normal
classroom culture.
There is a hesitancy on the part of both school teachers to try out
innovations in classroom teaching. Activities are rarely included in the
classroom deliberation and laboratory programme are seldom organized as
an opportunity of exploration. Agarkara (1998), stated that teachers
learn very little from experience in the classroom on that capacity of
mastering science and new technology logics. Since Iloputaife and Eze
(1994) has tried to propose the following tasks.
Lip dating and improving the qualify of science teaching integrating
scientific education and human features, developing a comprehensive
approach for science curricula. Focus has been put on teachers processes
so as to promote the teachers understanding of scientific method and
rationality but the reality of lack of resources in most countries has
impeded them adjusting both the contents of their curriculum and
textbooks in consequence, and the training of their integrated science
teachers which often remains of very poor quality. The curriculum is
inter disciplinary and it is supposed to provide the teachers to see the
concept and the pedagogical principles which unify the separate subject
matter thus harmonizing the knowledge derived from the integrated.
The course is supposed to provide the teachers with a broad view of
science which enlightens his interactions with his environment of this
mental manipulative and social skills unesco - unicef (1971).
Essentially, integrated science is designed to develop interest in
the teaching that his is encourage to pursue further student in science
discipline.
Secondary school was to lay a solid foundation in the learners early study of science for further studied.
A significant proportion of Nigeria J.S.S integrated science.
Teachers do not achieve as well as they should in integrated science
examination, Iloputaife and Eze, (1994).
1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEMS
Based on the background of the study. Here, one or two problems are shown.
First, some teachers have the problems of finding some topics
difficult to teach in integrated science. This was also confirmed by
research evidence in Nigeria, Desai (1994) indicates low integrated
science attainments of teachers. The condition was amplified by the
alarming low number of qualified teachers in integrated science area
irrespective of the crucial role of integrated science Neera (1996).
Second, as a result, there are some problems in the implementation of
the curriculum Olarewaju (1987), besides achievement has been shown to
be very low and unimpressive Okebukola and Jegede, (1999). These might
negate the philosophy behind the introduction of the integrated science
core curriculum as J.S.S leave. Also Jegede (1999) and Akueailo (1998)
undependably in their studied tend to show that the teaching of
integrated science in Nigerian secondary school are inadequate.
1.3 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
The purpose oft his study is to identify the difficult teaching topics in J.S. integrated science curriculum.
(a) In the relation to teachings area of specialization
(b) In relation to teachers qualification
(c) In relation to availability of instructional materials in Enugu urban area Enugu State.
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The identification of these difficult teaching topics in integrated
science will enlighten the teachers as well as government and expose
them to the area they specialized on. Being aware of these, difficult
topics school authority, the government and even the science teachers
association of Nigeria will be of great help in planning in-service
course for the teachers in those areas of science. This also brings to
light the need of equipping higher institutions and universities
preparing integrated science teachers with adequate training needed for
planning and execution of integrated science in our secondary schools.
The exposure of these difficulty topics will motivate the integrated
science authors and publishers to give a details attention on these
different area in their write up.
1.5 SCOPE OF STUDY
The study was restricted to identification of difficult teaching
topics in junior secondary schools in Enugu urban area Enugu State.
1.6 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
The following research questions are proposed.
1. What topics do the teachers find difficult in teaching J.S.S integrated science?
2. Why do teachers have difficulty in teaching those identified topics in integrated science?
3. How can the difficulty in teaching those topics be remedied?
4. What influence has experience on the identification of topics as difficult?
5. What effects of qualification on finding a teaching topics difficult?
6. What effect has sex on findings a teaching topics difficult?
7. What is the effect of area of specialization in identification of a topics as difficult?
8. What in your opinion are the possible remedies the difficulty experienced?
1.7 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
Due to limited time, financial constraints and logistics the study
was limited to secondary schools in Enugu urban area Enugu State. This
study was also limited to a sample of teachers in junior secondary
school in due sampled schools within the Enguu urban area in Enugu
State.