Improving Students’ Achievement And Retention In Computer Studies Through The Use Of Computer-Assisted Tutorial Instructions

Abstract

This study focused on improving students’ achievement and retention in computer studies through the use of computer-assisted tutorial instruction.. The design adopted for the study was quasi-experimental. The population of the study consisted 4,873 SS2 students in Nnewi Education Zone of Anambra state. 90 SS2 computer studies students comprised the sample for the study. Computer Studies Achievement Test (CSAT) validated by two experts from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka was used as instrument for the study. The reliability of the instrument was established using Kudder-Richardson Formula 20 which yielded coefficient of internal consistency of 0.82. CSAT was administered as pretest before treatment, posttest after treatment and retention test after three weeks of the posttest. Data obtained from the test administration were collated and analyzed using mean, standard deviation and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). Results from the study showed that computer-assisted tutorial instruction significantly improved students’ achievement and retention in computer studies more than the conventional method of instruction. The study recommended that the government should make provision for computer technology accessories needed for the effective integration and use of computer-assisted tutorial in the classroom for lesson delivery.