The effect of computer simulation and concept model on selected shs students’ conceptual understanding of cell cycle

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of Computer Simulation and concept model on selected Senior High School conceptual understanding of cell cycle. The target population was SHS biology students in the Central Region of Ghana. The accessible population was second year elective biology students in Mfantseman Municipality in the Central Region. The study employed quasi-experimental design and 70 second year elective biology students were purposively selected to participate in the study. Two instructional instruments namely computer simulation and concept model were introduced to the students. Data was collected using interview schedule and tests. The data collected were analysed using SPSS version 20. Some quantitative data was analysed using means and simple percentages. The result of the study that students who were exposed to computer simulation and concept model performed better than their counterparts who were taught through the traditional method. Additionally, the research indicated that using Computer simulation and concept model in teaching cell cycle improved students‟ knowledge and sustained their interest as it changed the abstract nature of the concept to concrete for easy understanding. Again the study revealed that students in the experimental had higher mean scores in the posttest than those in the control group. The study further indicated that statistically, CAI has no influence on the performance of gender in cell cycle. Therefore emphasis must be placed on the use of Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) and concept model in the teaching and learning of biological concepts. Methodist Senior High School and Kweigyir Aggrey Secondary Technical School should have an equipped computer and Information Technology (ICT) laboratory connected to internet to ensure an effective integration of Computer Simulation in teaching.