Teachers’ Perception on the Challenges of Utilizing Problem-Based Learning in Teaching Computer Science in Public Senior Secondary Schools in Port Harcourt Metropolis

Abstract

This study investigated teachers’ perception on the challenges of utilizing Problem-Based Learning in teaching computer science in public senior secondary schools in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria. This study adopted descriptive research design. Two research questions and hypotheses were formulated to guide this study. The population for the study comprised one hundred (100) computer science teachers in the thirty six (36) public senior secondary schools located in Port Harcourt metropolis of Rivers State. Census sampling procedure was used to obtain one hundred (100) computer science teachers as the sample size due to the manageable size of the entire population. A structured questionnaire titled “Teachers’ Challenges of Utilizing Problem-Based Learning in Teaching Computer Science in Public Senior Secondary Schools in Port Harcourt Metropolis” (CUPOBALETCOS) was used for collection of data. The questionnaire was validated by experts. Pearson Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to determine the reliability of the instrument which gave a value of 0.84. Mean and standard deviation were used to analyse data and test of hypotheses was done with the use of z-test statistics. Results obtained from the findings revealed that the challenges of utilizing the Problem-Based Learning approach in teaching computer science and the aids to the utilization of this approach in teaching computer science were highly perceived by computer science teachers in senior secondary schools in the metropolis of Port Harcourt, Rivers State in Nigeria. Based on the findings, it was recommended that: Professional programmes, in addition to training exercise, need to be carried out frequently to enable teachers to get acquainted with the utilization of innovative teaching approaches and combat the associated challenges. Administrative duties or demands of teachers should be adjusted in order to have enough time for utilization of innovative teaching practices in the classroom. Curriculum for Problem-Based Learning should be fully introduced in the secondary and primary school education, so as to have facilitators who can help students by facilitating the Problem-Based Learning practices in the learning environment.