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Enhancing junior secondary students' learning outcomes in basic science and technology through PhET: A study in Nigeria

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Abstract

A computer-based simulation is a viable approach for integrating the basics of science and technology in Junior Secondary. This study examined the impact of PhET on students' academic performance as well as students' motivation toward Basic Science and Technology. The study also investigates how PhET influence students' attitudes toward Basic Science and Technology. The study adopted the pre-test, post-test, and non-equivalent control group design. We randomly selected the study population from junior secondary two (JSII) students in private and public schools who are studying Basic Science and Technology. Quantitative data were collected and analyzed using a statistical approach such as the mean, standard deviation, and t-test. Students' post-test academic performance improved significantly (t160 = 36.28, p < 0.05) as a result of teaching Basic Science and Technology with PhET. According to the findings PhET had a substantial effect on the motivation of Basic Science and Technology students (t160 = 29.32, p < 0.05). Furthermore, the results demonstrated that PhET affected students' attitudes toward Basic Science and Technology (t160 = 65.36, p < 0.05). This study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence to support the integration of PhET in the teaching of Basic Science and Technology in Nigeria and other similar contexts. The findings suggest that PhET can be an effective pedagogical tool for improving learning outcomes in science and technology education, particularly in developing countries where resources and infrastructure may be limited.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Languages and General Studies, First Technical University, Ibadan, Nigeria

    Damola Olugbade

  2. Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Space Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 931 87, Skellefteå, Sweden

    Solomon Sunday Oyelere

  3. School of Computing and Data Science, Willamette University, Salem, OR, USA

    Friday Joseph Agbo

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  1. Damola Olugbade
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Correspondence to Damola Olugbade.

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Appendix

Appendix

Department of Educational Technology and Library Studies

Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife

Faculty of Education

BASIC SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ACHIEVEMENT TEST (BTAT)

  1. 1.)

    For all materials the frictional force is always?

  • (a) perpendicular to the direction of motion

  • (b) along the direction of motion

  • (c) opposite to the direction of motion

  • (d) None of these.

  1. 2.)

    If F and R are the limiting force and normal reaction, then coefficient of static friction is

(a) F/R                (c) FR

(b) R/F                (d) F²R.

  1. 3.)

    For all materials the coefficient of friction is always?

  • (a) less than one

  • (b) greater than one

  • (c) equal to one

  • (d) none of these.

  1. 4.)

    When a body is moving along an inclined plane, the direction of frictional force is always

  • (a) perpendicular to the direction of motion

  • (b) along the direction of motion

  • (c) opposite to the direction of motion

  • (d) none of the above

  1. 5.)

    A block of iron weighing 28 kg can be just pulled along a horizontal force of 12 N. Find the coefficient of friction.

    (a) 3/7 (b) 7/3 (c) 0.3 (d) 0.7.

  1. 6.)

    Viscosity is closely similar to

  • (a) Density

  • (b) Velocity

  • (c) Friction

  • (d) Surface tension.

  1. 7.)

    ……………… is the change of position of an object over time?

  1. (a)

    Speed

  2. (b)

    Velocity

  3. (c)

    Motion

  4. (d)

    None of the above

  1. 8.)

    When an object A from a state of rest moves through a vertical straight line, this is known as?

  1. (a)

    Speed

  2. (b)

    Motion

  3. (c)

    Velocity

  4. (d)

    Friction

  1. 9.)

    Ms-1 means ……………………?

  1. (a)

    Speed

  2. (b)

    Velocity

  3. (c)

    Friction

  4. (d)

    Acceleration

  1. 10.)

    Friction is the force resisting the relative motion of solid surface,

  1. (a)

    True

  2. (b)

    False

  3. (c)

    All of the above

  4. (d)

    None of the above

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Olugbade, D., Oyelere, S.S. & Agbo, F.J. Enhancing junior secondary students' learning outcomes in basic science and technology through PhET: A study in Nigeria. Educ Inf Technol (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-023-12391-3

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