Beyond the Current Primary Science Classrooms in Nigeria: The Need for Curricular Reforms
Benue State University Journal of Education, 2010: Volume 10, 15-22.
8 Pages Posted: 3 Jul 2015
Date Written: October 30, 2010
Abstract
The apparent loss of interest by Nigerian children to study science on their own outside the four walls of the classroom is a worrisome development in the system. This ugly trend persists in primary schools in Nigeria unabated. This study therefore, examines plausible ways of reforming and translating the current science curriculum with a view of reversing the disturbing situation. The authors observed that Nigerian children delight in working on the computer outside the classroom but abhor studying science on their own. Though the current science curriculum is relevant and required, the authors opine that there is need to carefully examine and work on most of the objectives at the formal levels to step them down to concrete levels. This will allow for easy understanding and personal application by the learners. Emphasis on teaching methodology as a way of presenting the proposed materials was decried in this paper. It however, advocates the use of illustrative diagrams, stories, pictures, popular and locally available materials as strategies for teaching science. It further recommends that computers be made available to Nigerian children. The Piagetian theory on development of cognition in children provides a basis for this proposal.
Keywords: Primary science classroom; curricular reforms; science teaching
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