Effect of computer assisted instruction on students’ performance in selected topics in mechanics

Abstract

The objectives for this study were to determine the effect of computer assisted instruction based on constructivist theory approach over traditionally designed instruction on second year students of Afife Senior High Technical School in some selected topics in mechanics. Random sampling was used to select sample size of fifty (50) students. The total sample size was made up of twenty-seven (27) boys and twenty-three (23) girls. Test (pre-test and post-test), observation and interview were the main instruments used for collecting data. Data obtained from the tests were analysed using t-test to find out the level of achievement of students after using computer assisted instruction (CAI) in selected topics in mechanics. Analysis of the post and pre-test scores showed that there was a significant difference in the performance of the students after the intervention activities. This implies that the intervention activities had positive effects on the achievement of students. Therefore, computer assisted instruction is an effective teaching strategy. It was also showed that with the use of computer assisted instruction, knowledge is constructed and this causes students to have more interest towards science as a school subject.