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Influence of students’ career interests on perceived difficult concept in computer studies in Ghanaian and Nigerian secondary schools

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Listed:
  • Olasunkanmi A. Gbeleyi

    (Lagos State University)

  • Fred Awaah

    (University of Professional Studies)

  • Peter A. Okebukola

    (Lagos State University)

  • Juma Shabani

    (University of Burundi)

  • Onoriode Collins Potokri

    (University of Johannesburg)

Abstract

There have been few studies on students’ difficulty in the computer studies curriculum of African senior secondary schools. This study attempts to fill this gap by investigating the concepts students find difficult in the Ghanaian and Nigerian computer science curriculum and the influence of students’ career interests on these perceived difficult concepts. The study is important to the extent that our understanding of “where the shirt tights” regarding topics difficulty will guide teachers, students, secondary schools’ managers, and governments in applying applicable remediating measures. The study sought to establish (a) the concepts that students perceive to be difficult in the computer studies curriculum in Ghanaian and Nigerian schools and (b) if there is a statistically significant relationship between students’ career interests and perceived concept difficulty in computer studies. Anchored on cognitive constructivism theory of Piaget, a quantitative method was employed with the sample (N = 1776). The study reports computer basics and evolution, programme development cycle, managing computer files, Developing problem-solving skills, computer ethics and human concerns, Networking, Logic circuits, Machine language, flowcharting, Algorithm and arithmetic logic unit as perceived difficult concepts. The study also found a negative statistically significant relationship between students’ career interests and perceived concept difficulty in the Ghanaian and Nigerian computer studies curriculum. Various remediating measures have been preferred.

Suggested Citation

  • Olasunkanmi A. Gbeleyi & Fred Awaah & Peter A. Okebukola & Juma Shabani & Onoriode Collins Potokri, 2022. "Influence of students’ career interests on perceived difficult concept in computer studies in Ghanaian and Nigerian secondary schools," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 9(1), pages 1-6, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:9:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-022-01215-3
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-022-01215-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sonia Livingstone, 2012. "Critical reflections on the benefits of ICT in education," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 42947, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
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