Using computer-assisted instruction to improve the performance of science 2 students in protein synthesis at Swedru Senior High School

Abstract

The study investigated the use of Computer-Assisted Instructions (CAI) to improve the performance of students in the teaching and learning of protein synthesis. The study was carried out at Swedru Senior High School. The accessible population was all form two biology students of the school. The sample for the study consisted of 90 students comprising 31 girls and 59 boys who were all SHS 2 science students. The study used qualitative and quantitative data gathering instruments. All the statistics used in this University of Education, Winneba http://ir.uew.edu.gh 13 research were done using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) for windows up to version 18.0 software. The study showed that students had negative approaches to the learning of protein synthesis, low self-efficacy with regards to protein synthesis; students had misconceptions of concepts in learning protein synthesis and agreed that there were too many concepts in protein synthesis and Students‘ attributed their interest in protein synthesis to effective teacher practice but not from friends. Negative learning approaches, misconceptions and low self-efficacy to learning of protein synthesis had no effect on students‘ performance though the mean scores of their performance were low. Students‘ attribution of interest and the use of CAI showed an effect in their performance with the mean scores being comparatively higher. It is recommended that young learners should be encouraged and guided to develop positive attitudes towards science and innovative learner-centered instructional strategies and use of computer-assisted instructional packages should be used by biology teachers to promote meaningful learning of difficult biology concepts.