AN ASSESSMENT OF METHODS OF TEACHING COMPUTER COURSES TO COMPUTER SCIENCE MAJOR IN SELECTED NIGERIAN POLYTECHNICS

The study focuses on the methods of teaching computer courses to computer science major in selected Nigeria polytechnics. It examines the background, methods of teaching, tools and equipments use in teaching computer courses to computer science major. The primary data for the study were generated from well structured question broadcasted to random samples of 70 out of 200 NDII students from federal polytechnic Nekede and Abia State Polytechnic and supported with interviews. Frequency labels, simple proportion percentage ratios, average, ranking, and chi-square (test for goodness of fit) for validation of the some of the some of the findings as distributed. From the data presented and analyzed textbook is the mostly used tool for  teaching computer courses to computer science major. Followed by the computer but 20% students said that textbooks, chalkboard and computer are the tools used. It was also established from the study that lecture method, lecture with discussion practical  assignment, and class discussions are the  methods of teaching computer courses to computer science major. Therefore the researcher summarized and recommend that the NBTE (National Biand for Technical Education) should improve on the  teaching tools by providing enough computers for teaching and learning and the  methods of teaching computer courses to computer science major should be maintained and if  possible across other departments.

Title Page ii

Dedication iii

Statement of approval iv

Declaration         v

Acknowledgement vi

Table of content viii

Abstract xi

1.1 Background of the study 1

1.2 Aims and Objectives 4

1.3 Statement of problems 5

1.4 Purpose of the study 6

1.5 Research Question 6

1.6 Significance of the study 7

1.7 Scope of the study 8

1.8 Limitations of the study 8

1.9 Definitions of terms 9

2.1  Historical background 12

2.2  Literature Review of teaching methods 24

2.3 Methods of teaching computer

courses to computer science major 38

3.1 Research design 44

3.2 Size of sample and ample selection 44

3.3 Data collection instrument and procedures 45

4.1 Introduction 47

5.1 Summary of Findings 58

5.2 Conclusion and Recommendation 60