Innovating science student-teacher's practicum in Nigeria

The training of the science teacher requires both theory and practice. Teaching practice refers to a period of guided teaching during which the teacher-trainee or student-teacher assumes increasing responsibilities for directing the learning of a group of students over a period of some weeks, (about 12 weeks in all). Within this period, the student teacher undergoes a periodical apprenticeship under the guidance of supervisors from the training institutions and the co-operating school harboring the student teacher. In the process they endeavour to marry the theory taught and learnt with practice. The processes help them to acquire the necessary new skills, insights, attitudes and responsibilities which are basic to the teaching career/profession

Dynamics of teaching science education in a changing environment

During the past few decades, resources have been allocated in many parts of the world for developing curricula in school science, which were directed to the need for more scientists that can promote national development. In the light of this, many developing country has emphasized the education of its citizens in Science, Technology and Mathematics (STM). This mode was reflected in the Nigerian National Policy on Education when it recommended an enrolment ratio of 60:40 in favour of STM and related courses in higher institution of learning (Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004). This guideline became necessary in order to boost our manpower development and researches in these professions. The role of STM in the development of a nation cannot be over emphasized as it is very important in solving a country’s problem.STM is the base for the overall development of a nation, the instrument for the orderly and ethical behaviour of it citizens

Resource utility for effective science education in Nigeria: the case of biology

Resource utilization, curriculum innovation and professional development courses are integral to improve educational practices as they empower teachers with knowledge and skills required for integrating education and society. Such moves and actions need to be guided with research. The education practices in Nigeria need to be sound and grounded. This paper is concerned with the importance of the use of resources for effective understanding of school science with special reference to biology. It identified necessary resources, constraints and how to select and use resources for effective teaching and learning of biology. The selection and utilization of any resources depends on the specific features of a particular topic. Therefore, different sets of resources and strategies are needed to teach different topics

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT): a Panacea to Achieving Effective Goals in Institutional Administration

This paper examines the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) by institutional administrators for effective administration. The paper states the need for effective use of ICT by institutional administrators in maintaining and controlling according to policies laid down by the governing bodies of the institution. He has to plan in his capacity as an administrator in ensuring effective institutional services. The paper highlights various ICT resources that can be used for effective and efficient institutional administration. It also states some of the benefits and challenges of the use of ICT institutional administration. It is the contention of this paper that though using ICT in Nigerian institutional administration may seem difficult, it is imperative to take advantage and invest in these ICTs to deal with the huge pressure faced in the institutional administration. The remarks highlights the need for infrastructure and how political will push ICT ahead

Understanding the Motivation of Nigerian Science Teacher for Sustainable Development

The role of science in national development has remained important in throughout history. The Science teacher educator is very important for the development of any nation. The main objective of this paper is to contribute to the fact that there is no one best way of Motivating the Nigerian science teacher educator. That the best approach depends on the individual and the circumstances prevailing the workplace. Broadly speaking, motivation consists of a driving force or state of need deficiency which inclines a person to behave in a particular manner, or to develop a capacity for certain type of behaviour. The urge to act in a certain way may be generated by physiological or psychological needs or states including unconscious and conscious thought process or by external stimuli or by some combination of these. People obviously differ widely in these respects, and accordingly their behaviours also differ. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n26p10

Adolescent Science Students’ Perception of Acquisition of Environmental Health Skills through School Health Programme in Nigeria

The study was on science students’ perception of acquisition of environmental health (sanitation) skills among adolescents in Imo State through the school health programme. Six research questions and five hypotheses guided the study. The descriptive research design was used for the study. Using the multi- stage sampling technique, 565 science students were sampled for the study. The study revealed that all the items presented in the study were perceived to be very important environmental sanitation skills by students. These covered water pollution, disposal of human waste, food handing, and environmental cleanliness. Gender, educational qualification of parents, and person responsible for family health were significant on the acquisition of environmental sanitation skills while family typology and status of single parenthood had no influence on acquisition of health skills. The perception of students whose parents hold PhD was significantly higher than those with ordinary National Diploma (OND), Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC). The perception of those whose father cares most was significantly higher than those whose mother does not care or cares a little. In view of the results of the study, it was recommended that the Ministry of Education should develop procedures for inculcating these skills in adolescents as a way of life and as a school requirement for graduation. Parental responsibility in health care is fundamental in acquisition of health skills. DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2015.v5n1p19