Abstract:
The study investigated the effect of Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI) towards the
effective teaching and learning of nomenclature of cyclic hydrocarbons among KNUST
Senior high school students at Kumasi in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The research
study adopted an action research design. The sample comprised 45 form 3 General
Science 1 students who were selected on purpose. Students were given a questionnaire to
examine their prior conception of organic chemistry nomenclature. A week after, a pre intervention test was administered to the research sample to determine their academic
performance in the nomenclature of cyclic hydrocarbons before intervention activities.
Within the 4-week period students learned about cyclic hydrocarbons (cycloalkanes,
cycloalkenes and cycloalkynes) through CAI for 2 hours each week. The instruction were
videos, pictures, and animations to enhance their learning experience. After four weeks
of intervention, students were given a post-intervention test to answer. Afterwards, the
scripts were collected and scored to generate data for the post-intervention test. Two
different sets of questionnaires were given to students to answer. One questionnaire
assessed students' attitudes towards the use of computer-assisted instruction for the
teaching and learning of the nomenclature of cyclic hydrocarbons, while the other
questionnaire investigated the role of CAI in promoting active learning and enhancing
students' engagement in the nomenclature of cyclic hydrocarbons. Data collected from
the administration of these tests and questionnaires were organized and used to
statistically test the null hypotheses that were formulated prior at a 0.05 significance
level. The outcome of the study revealed that after intervention activities, students’
nomenclature showed they followed the IUPAC rules in naming cyclic hydrocarbons and
were correctly done. CAI is an effective tool for teaching and learning the nomenclature
of cyclic hydrocarbons, as evidenced by improved student conceptual understanding.
Students generally have a positive attitude towards using CAI for learning the
nomenclature of cyclic hydrocarbons, finding it effective and enjoyable. It is
recommended that placing students at the center of the teaching and learning process is
essential to actively involve them in the lessons in chemistry and also chemistry teachers
should adopt CAI instead of traditional teaching methods when teaching chemistry
concepts.
Description:
A thesis in the Department of Science Education,
Faculty of Science Education submitted to the
School of Graduate Studies, in partial fulfilment
of the requirements for the award of the degree of
Master of Philosophy
(Science Education)
in the University of Education, Winneba