Influence of Use of Learning Strategies in Information Communication Technology on Standard Seven Pupils’ Academic Self-Concept in Bungoma County, Kenya

Fred Juma Wakasiaka,Edward Kigen,Chrispus Wawire

doi:10.5296/ijld.v11i3.18579

Abstract

Despite introduction of Information Communication Technology in schools by Government of Kenya, minimal research has been done on influence of learning strategies in information communication technology use on academic self-concept of pupils. Poor trends in academic achievement are associated with pupils’ low academic self-concept as an outcome of continued use of traditional learning strategies. The purpose of the present study was therefore to investigate the influence of learning strategies in the use of information communication technology on pupils’ academic self-concept. Multimedia Learning Theory, Collaborative Learning Theory and the Self Theory of Personality Development formed the theoretical framework of the study. A causal comparative ex post facto research design was used. The study employed mixed methods research by integrating qualitative and quantitative research. The study was done in Bungoma County. The target population was Standard Seven pupils in public primary schools in Bungoma County. A sample of 375 pupils was involved. Purposive sampling was used to select schools with computer program as treatment group and simple random sampling for schools using traditional learning strategies as comparison group. Independent and dependent variables were learning strategies and academic self-concept respectively. Data was collected through an adapted questionnaire with Academic Self-concept Scale and Learning Strategy Rating Scale for learning strategies. Oral interviews and non-participant overt observations were used to collect qualitative data from pupils and teachers who handled learners in the laptop computer programs. The reliability and validity of the instruments was established through a pilot study in 2 sampled schools which were not included in the main study. Data management and analysis was done using both inferential and descriptive statistics using Statistical Package for Social Sciences program. Pearson product moment correlation and t-test were used for inferential statistics. Results showed that significant differences in academic self-concept existed between pupils using traditional learning strategies and those using learning strategies in the use of ICT (t = 3.990, df = 238, p< 0.05), (t= 4.256, df = 238, p< 0.05) and (t= 2.014 df=251, p<0.05). Apart from Individual Learning Strategy in the use of computer, Child-to-Child and Child-teacher learning strategies were found to have significant relationships with academic self-concept [r(186)= 0.300, 0.275 and 0.311, p< 0.05]. Recommendations for adoption of learning strategies in information communication technology use in classroom teaching and learning, policy development in education and curriculum development were made. Further research using pre-test and post-test experimental design with control group using samples at other levels of education and on individual subject academic self-concept was recommended.

Highlights

Academic self-concept is defined as student’s self-perception of academic ability formed through individual experiences and interactions with the environment (Cemal, 2021)
While this research was done in the USA, similar research could be done in other areas like Kenya, where the present study considered as the locale, to test the same influence of learning strategies in Information Communication Technology (ICT) use on academic self-concept of pupils
The sample involved four schools from treatment group and four schools from comparison group with treatment group having slightly more than half of the subjects as shown in Table 4.4.This is a difference of only 1.4 %

Summary

Introduction

Academic self-concept is defined as student’s self-perception of academic ability formed through individual experiences and interactions with the environment (Cemal, 2021). It relates to how well one learns or how well one does at school. Positive ASC is a good recipe for increased academic achievement which is the ultimate goal of any learner in a learning institution. This means that learners who have positive views of their academic abilities are more likely to engage in activities that promote academic achievement. Such achievement related activities include; early preparation for tests, completing homework and actively participating in class during lessons (Valentine et al, 2004)

Methods

Results

Conclusion