Enhancing the performance and interest of pre-service teachers in selected integrated science topics using computer-based models

Abstract

The study sought to improve the performance and interest of pre-service teachers in selected integrated science topics using Computer-Based Models (CBM). The study was carried out in Gbewaa College of Education, Pusiga in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Action research design with mixed method approach was utilized in the study. A purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample of 208 pre-service teachers out of a total population of 1021 pre-service teachers of Gbewaa College of Education. Questionnaire, test, observation schedule and interview protocol were the main instruments used for the data collection. A t-test was used to test whether there was any difference between the male and female pre-service teachers’ interest in selected integrated science topics and their academic performance. From the analysed data, it was found out that an average of 80% of the pre-service teachers who participated in the study performed creditably in tests1, 2, 3 and 4 in selected integrated science topics. The results indicated a lot of improvement in the performance of the pre-service teachers. They also exhibited positive interest towards learning and studying the selected integrated science topics. Additionally, the findings of the research indicated that the male and female pre-service teachers performed equally well when they were taught selected integrated science topics using CBM. In line with these findings, it was recommended that CBM should be used in the teaching of integrated science in the target institution.