THE LEARNING OF NIGERIAN SECONDARY SCHOOL CHILDREN FROM PROGRAMMED MATERIAL

Abstract

A general science program and a criterion test were written in Northern Nigeria. Accompanying questionnaires to investigate attitude and socio‐economic background were designed and four ability tests were selected. The program, tests and questionnaires were administered to 81 first‐form pupils of a secondary school over a period of eight weeks. From the five test scores a correlation matrix was produced. The experimental variables were criterion test gain score plus verbal, non‐verbal, reading and spatial abilities. All the correlation coefficients were significantly greater than zero except for three involving spatial ability. The coefficient of 0‐ 51 for criterion test gain score and verbal ability suggested that the program and the criterion test had a high verbal content and that verbal ability was necessary for science concept acquisition. The results of the attitude questionnaire showed a favourable attitude towards the program with a possible indication that answers to responses made cheating too easy. Three socio‐economic factors found to improve pupil performance were father's occupation, the pupil's religion and the number of children in his home compound.