IMPACT OF COMPUTER-ASSISTED INSTRUCTION (CAI) ON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND KNOWLEDGE RETENTION IN SECONDARY-LEVEL CHEMISTRY

Abstract

The research aimed to explore the impact of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) on the academic performance and retention of secondary school students in Chemistry. The population for this study comprised 46 Senior Secondary School (SSS) II students from First Grade Comprehensive School in Kano. Using a pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design, data were collected to evaluate the effects of different teaching methods on students' performance in chemistry. The sampling method involved random selection of students from the SSS II level. The pretest was administered to establish the baseline knowledge of chemistry among the students. Based on their pretest scores, the participants were divided into two groups: the control group and the experimental group. The experimental group received instruction through Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI), while the control group received traditional teaching methods. After a six-week period, both groups were assessed using a posttest to measure their performance. A retention test was conducted two weeks later to assess the long-term impact of the teaching methods. Statistical analysis, including mean, standard deviation, and independent samples t-test via SPSS, along with Pearson’s product moment correlation, was conducted. A reliability coefficient of 0.81 indicated test reliability. Hypotheses were tested using t-test statistics at a significance level of P ≤0.05. Results revealed no significant difference between the groups in the pretest, but significant disparities emerged in posttest performance and retention between CAI and traditional instruction groups. Moreover, significant differences were found in students’ academic performance across various cognitive domains in the posttest. These findings underscored the positive impact of CAI on students' chemistry performance and retention. Consequently, recommendations include providing schools with computers, educational software, and teacher training to enhance chemistry instruction at the secondary level, emphasizing the use of CAI to enhance student performance and retention in Chemistry.