Abstract:
This study investigated the effect of Computer Simulation and concept model on
selected Senior High School conceptual understanding of cell cycle. The target
population was SHS biology students in the Central Region of Ghana. The accessible
population was second year elective biology students in Mfantseman Municipality in
the Central Region. The study employed quasi-experimental design and 70 second
year elective biology students were purposively selected to participate in the study.
Two instructional instruments namely computer simulation and concept model were
introduced to the students. Data was collected using interview schedule and tests. The
data collected were analysed using SPSS version 20. Some quantitative data was
analysed using means and simple percentages. The result of the study that students
who were exposed to computer simulation and concept model performed better than
their counterparts who were taught through the traditional method. Additionally, the
research indicated that using Computer simulation and concept model in teaching cell
cycle improved students‟ knowledge and sustained their interest as it changed the
abstract nature of the concept to concrete for easy understanding. Again the study
revealed that students in the experimental had higher mean scores in the posttest than
those in the control group. The study further indicated that statistically, CAI has no
influence on the performance of gender in cell cycle. Therefore emphasis must be
placed on the use of Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) and concept model in the
teaching and learning of biological concepts. Methodist Senior High School and
Kweigyir Aggrey Secondary Technical School should have an equipped computer and
Information Technology (ICT) laboratory connected to internet to ensure an effective
integration of Computer Simulation in teaching.
Description:
A THESIS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE EDUCATION, FACULTY
OF SCIENCE EDUCATION SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF
GRADUATE STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, AND WINNEBA IN
PARTIAL FULFILLMFNT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF
MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY (SCIENCE EDUCATION) DEGREE.
JANUARY, 2018