The Teaching Of Integrated Science (ITS) In The Primary Schools, Problems And Prospects (A Case Study Of Some Selected Primary Schools In Igabi Local Government Area Of Kaduna State)

The Teaching Of Integrated Science (ITS) In The Primary Schools, Problems And Prospects (A Case Study Of Some Selected Primary Schools In Igabi Local Government Area Of Kaduna State)

Abstract

Primary education is a vital part of education in Nigeria. Primary education in Igabi Local Government Area is based on Integrated Science. The aim of this research is to identify the problems leading to poor performance in pupils and teachers in some selected primary schools. This research work concentrated on four (4) primary schools in Zango Aya area. A total number of sixty (60) questionnaires were distributed to teachers’ headmaster and pupils respondents. The sample was composed of four primary schools which were selected from the Local Government area. The results of the study showed that the schools lack teachers of integrated science and those already in the schools are not well qualified. The researchers further recommend that science teachers should be encouraged to go for in-service training, workshops, seminars so as to improve their knowledge of science.

Chapter One

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

The science curriculum at any time and place is determined by the existing theories and ideas about the nature of science. Because such theories and ideas have varied from place to place and from time to time, even for the same place; the science curriculum and its introduction have never remained static. Several programmes have been set up in various parts of the world to develop science curriculum and teaching, with an aim to suit the prevailing situation in such areas. As a result of the changing views about science, its content and materials have been subjected to modification in accordance with the reigning theories. In the 1960s the U.S.A, set up a programme called Science a Process Approach (S.A.PA.) which was developed and sponsored by the America Association of the Advancement of Science (A.A.A.S). For the A.A.A.S, science processes should precede the contents that is to say, the programme encouraged a study of the science procedure which would result in the child having the opportunity to develop intellectual skills similarly there were programmes in the United Kingdom, for example, The Nuffield Junior Science and the African Primary Science Programme (A.P.S.P) was based in East and West African.

The relative backwardness of primary education in the Northern states of Nigeria stimulated the consideration by the Federal Government, the governments of the then six northern states, and UNESCO to form a joint project which would improve the quality of primary education (Lassa, 1977:1). Discussion resulting from such moves were held at Zaria between the Institute of Education (A.B.U Zaria), the government of the six Northern states UNESCO and UNESCEF. The outcome of that meeting was the initiation of a programme called UNICEF/UNESCO programme but later became the Primary Education Improvement Project (P.E.I.P).

In June 1970, a writing panel made up of T.T.C. Tutors, ministry personnel and others met to decide on writing syllable and books on science and other subjects. Decisions centred on having a fresh science syallbus which was based mainly on units taken from the African Primary Science Programme (A.P.S.P) but preference was made to the Nuffield Junior Science Programme and materials for science. Later, however, the panel decided to abandon this approach and follow the steps suggested by the Nigerian Educational Research Council (N.E.R.C) through adopting a process approach method similar to that of the American science. A process approach.

By December 1971, the first book titled Primary Science One was instructions for the teaching of 26 lessons. This book centred on activities, which would provide opportunities to practical process type skills such as observation, classification measurement, etc. Brown, (1978:2) and these activities involved both the teacher and the pupils. By 1972, Primary Science one was on trial in 66 piloted schools. A panel meeting in June 1972 established the guideline for primary school three, part of it was written by the end of the year, the whole book being completed by June 1974. Primary science four was produce in 1978. Book four came out in 1976 and book five and six came out in the 1980.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

It is important while discussing the P.E.I.P to realize as in any other programme of its dimension there bound to many challenges which if not well met will cause the down fall of the programme; for example there could be administrative, financial and manpower challenges.

Integrated science or primary science is identified as a problem approached discipline through which man studies and learns about problems of survival in his environment. The aim of this research is to identify problems leading to poor performance in pupils and teachers in some selected primary schools in Igabi Local Government Area to recommend possible solutions that can help in improving its teaching. In our search for these problems, the following questions are asked:

1. What are the classes that are taught primary science?
2. What is the number of qualified integrated science teacher in your school?
3. How many of these teachers teach integrated science?
4. What are their qualifications?
5. Are the materials used by the teachers (i.e. textbooks) suitable for both the teachers and learners?
6. Are there other teaching aids used by the teachers apart from the textbooks?
7. What methods are used in imparting the knowledge of integrated science to the learners?
8. Do the school provide a special workshop for the teaching of the subject?
9. Is there current and recommended approved primary science syllabus in the school?

1.3 Significance of the Study

This research is aimed at the causes of poor performance in primary science in our primary schools today. Thereby giving necessary suggestions and practical ways by which the instruction can be improved so that its set goals and objectives can be achieved. The researchers decided to choose:

1. L.E.A. Primary School Jaji i.e. child friendly
2. Army Children’s School Jaji
3. L.E.A. Primary School Birni Yaro Tasha
4. L.E.A. Primary School Tudun Wada Rigachikun

For sample studies with the believe to the researchers that this will be of immense help to the integrated science teachers in the classroom and also to the educational planners.

1.4 Delimitation

This research work concentrated on four (4) primary schools in Igabi Local Government and its environs.

1. L.E.A. Primary School Jaji – child friendly
2. Army Children’s School Jaji
3. L.E.A. Primary School Birni Yaro Tasho
4. L.E.A. Primary School Tudun Wada Rigachikun

Considering all the problems faced in teaching integrated science, it would require a wide and more detailed research and bigger book than this. Thus, the application of the evidence found is not to be generalized with other schools in the state but restricted to primary schools in Igabi Local Government Area only.

1.5 Definition of Terms

i) Integrated Science:

A jointed knowledge that is based on testing and providing facts.

ii) Primary Schools:

Schools in which children receive formal education before going to secondary school.

iii) Teaching:

Passing knowledge to somebody with some guided activities.

iv) Curriculum:

Course content design for the learner.

v) S.A.P.A:

Science – A Process Approach.

vi) A.P.S.P:

Africa Primary Science Programme.

vii) A.I.E.P:

Primary Education Improvement Project.

viii) Teaching Aids:

Materials use in aiding teaching and learning.

ix) Integrated Workshop:

A special room exclusively meant for teaching Integrated Science.

1.6 Hypothesis

Hypothesis have been advanced to guide the study:

1. That there was language problems, that is, the science terminologies cannot be easily translated into local languages.
2. That there are no enough trained teachers for this discipline Integrated Science.
3. That there are inadequate teaching aids for the teaching of the subject.
4. It was assumed that the same ministry is concerned with the running of the schools in terms of personnel enrolment and retention funds and other facilities.
5. There is still a problem in teaching controversial topics

Chapter Five

5.0 Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation

5.1 Summary

The main purpose of this case study is to find out the problems and prospects of teaching Integrated Science in some selected primary school in Igabi Local Government Area.

The researchers in their findings, fond that many of the problems are connected with an incompetence with the administrative challenges, and inadequate teachers and qualifications.

Poor relationship between the schools and the Ministry can be seen in the failure of the later to provide enough classrooms, material facilities and staff to the schools.
Moreover, pupils around the area only have interest to learn any subject when it is translated to their local language which made the teachers to find it difficult to teach Integrated Science in the area.

5.2 Conclusion

From the result of the study, it is obvious that the schools lack teachers of Integrated Science and those already in the schools are not well qualified. So many of them have part from being unqualified, failed to attend courses which would train them for Integrated Science teaching.

As a result of poor qualifications and training, other problems have cropped up, including:

1. Failure to understand book contents.
2. Lack of sufficient textbooks.
3. Lack of science materials and unfamiliarity with science materials.
4. Failure to encourage educational visits.

Language seems to be a serious problems as shown by the respondents opinion but as indicated earlier this may only be true to some extent. There is the fear that the failure of the teachers/pupils to understand the book contents may be a refection of their poor English, which could have resulted from their poor background and qualifications.

5.3 Recommendation

The researcher wishes to make the following recommendations to improve teaching of Integrated Science in primary schools in Zango Aya area.

1. The researchers strongly recommend that the government should supply science materials to primary schools in good time.
2. The researchers further recommend that science teachers should be encourage to go for in-service training, workshops, seminars so as to improve their knowledge of science.
3. To motivate teachers in teaching science, government should introduce science allowances for all science teachers.
4. More classrooms should be built in the primary schools, so that effective teaching/learning should take place.
5. Primary school teachers and students should be provided with relevant and useful textbooks.
6. Finally, good methods of teaching Integrated Science such as inquiry experimentation, field trips questioning method should be adopted instead of the traditional lecture method.
7. Teaching aids are supposed to be used constantly and where there are non should be improvised by the school or teacher.

It is sincerely hope that these factors if properly tackled by the appropriate authority. The poor performance of Integrated Science in Igabi Local Government Area will surely improved.

How To Get The Complete Material For The Teaching Of Integrated Science (ITS) In The Primary Schools, Problems And Prospects (A Case Study Of Some Selected Primary Schools In Igabi Local Government Area Of Kaduna State)

The Complete Material Will Be Sent to You in Just 2 Steps

Quick & Simple…

Make Payment (Through Transfer) of ₦3,000 to Any of the Account Below

	Acc No: 0811003731
	Samphina Academy
	Current Account

	Acc No: 1225513212
	Samphina Academy
	Current Account

Or CLICK HERE To Pay With Debit Card

Send the Following Details on WhatsApp ( 08143831497) After Payment

1. Payment Details
2. Email Address 
3. The Teaching Of Integrated Science (ITS) In The Primary Schools, Problems And Prospects (A Case Study Of Some Selected Primary Schools In Igabi Local Government Area Of Kaduna State)

The Complete Material Will Be Sent To Your Email Address After Receiving Your Details
T & C Apply

  Contact Our Help Desk