COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

Comparative analysis; Is an over view means of examining two or more things to discover the differences and similarities, in order to understand it more. Therefore, the emphasis of English language and computer education has been greatly stressed in this paper, to obtained details studies relatively. However, English language has bee seen as a very vital skill for live long education. Also English language is paramount important in every academic discipline and over all the social, political and economic development in the society.

However, computer science education is imperative in technological development of any country of the world, and Nigeria as a growing country needs technological transformation for the enhancement of the nation. Furthermore, it is important for us to described comparative education as Nicholas (1996) view it, as an attempt to discover the differences in the forces and causes that produce different educational systems, and the underlying principles which govern the development of the National system of education with modifications and changes which the circumstances provide a wealth of information and never analytical approaches to system of education and show case the performance of students in different subjects like English language and computer science which are medium for communication in everywhere in the world.

English Language and computer science education can be viewed as the two faces of a coin, as computer in the areas of communication appear to the sector where its use, is most prevalent, the efficiency of any communication process lies in its speed and accuracy, which implies that one cannot communicate with computer without the use of English language. On the other hand, the English language as a central subject for every academic level quietly agree with Uchechukwu (2008)'s view. He further stated that, English is a medium of instruction for all other subjects which depend in co-operation with other subjects like computer science in order to achieve learning outcome, computer as medium for Information Communication Technology (ICT) can not work with out the support of low level language and communication skills of English language, and will be difficult as the learners without the use of English.

English language as a means of communication is one of the unique qualities possessed by the human species, it the means by which thoughts of ideas, feeling, relationship between the teacher and the learner are expressed. It is the most important subject in secondary school curriculum. It is through English language that computer information, concepts and skills are transmitted.

The basic principles of learning English language in schools and home should be considered according to Gregor (1996) therefore, it is important to note that, an environment should be a great influence of learning experience. Though this situation is very difficult to achieve in Nigeria schools because, a greater percentage of Nigerian families fall within the lower class. It is important to note that, regular use of English both teachers and learners should made possible in our daily activities; Also Gregor (1995) emphasis that, the language task and all the learning materials such as books, charts, records, films and a host of others should be carefully graded and within the level of skilled already possessed.

Uchechukwu (2008) noted that, learning of English language requires a lot of time and patience on the part of the teachers, so as to ensure much more direct learning contact between teachers and learners which can exist for practicing, listening and speaking skills particular. The aim of the subject is to provide students with basic information as a medium and also as important to note that, English language is not only instrumental in communication and education, but it is also seen as a symbol of cultural distinctiveness, a mark of political unit and a means of identification for education, and also computer not just a medium of communication but also very vital in technological development.

Computer Education is very essential in all human endeavour. As omegboji (1997), referred computer as a system science corroborates in integration of knowledge and computer does the job of sharpening, harnessing, refining and restricting the intellectual fault of the people in their different levels and position.

The most obvious reason for introducing computer science education in secondary schools is to equip students with the knowledge of computer in order to live as useful and effective member of the society. Descarfer (1997) stated that, if knowledge of science can not be transformed into computer language, that language is of inferior type which implies that they work hand in hand.

According to Bamiro (1996) advocated that computer is a machine that can process information to produce information at a speed and accuracy that are humanly impossible. Laksebikan (1996) also view computer as a machine which accepts data from an input device, processes that data by performing arithmetic/logical operation and later supplies the result of the processed data as information through an output device.

In the area of student's performance, Chukwuemeka and Otiji (2008) are of the opinion that, the ability of a student to interact and relate or work with order people helps students to develop skills that help them to be useful in their school and society at large. A student who don't possess the ability to communicate well either in computer or English through their writing and reading, and speaking are not likely to perform well.

To be academically well in this form of education a student must be extremely self-motivated and self-disciplined. Before a student should have academic balance he/she needs a great deal of commitment and discipline that most student do not have unit in the process of their education.

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1.2 Statement of the Problem

The emphasis has been laid on the issue of academic performance of students in English language and computer science.

The key to success or failure in today's world is the ability to communicate with spoken word and written words, as more as routine tasks are performed by computer and robots. However, because of technological development, the job assigned to students required a more sophisticated ability to understand and transmit information.

The emphasis in the work is to discover the extent of the student's ability to function in the society. In view of Ifeyinwa (2002) noted that, many students have poor background of knowledge of English language at primary level of education because of unqualified teachers that might be allocated to teach English language, in view of what Ifeyinwa said, that there is a need to improve our teaching method to enable student acquire good knowledge in English language in order to be useful in the society.

Also, Fermat (1997) view computer science as bedrock of any nation's development, it has in recent days witnessed a downward trend and negative attitudes of students in secondary schools of Enugu North L.G.A of Enugu State. Despite the fact that there has been a lot of hues and cries and consistent call to improve teaching and learning of computer to enhance student achievement in schools, most of the course done in secondary schools, like English, mathematics and other science subject can be taught using computer system; the use of computer games which are being played with computer system help to arouse students interest and create a congenial atmosphere for learning.

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1.3 Purpose of the Study

The purpose of the study is to find out the difference and similarities of the student's performance in English language and computer science in junior secondary school in Enugu North.

The objective of this research is to enable students to learn, develop and deploy communication skills in English language and computer science.

The following objective includes:

1. To use ranking methods of influencing factors in predicting student's academic performances in learning of computer science and English language.
2. To enhance and determine the academic performances of the students by effective use of instructional materials of English language and computer science.
3. To state the measure in identify the academic performance of students in computer science and English language.
4. To find the cause of poor performance of students in teaching and learning of English language and computer science and how to reduce it.

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1.4 Scope of the Study

The research work is aimed at investigating the academic performance of junior secondary school students in English language and computer science.

The project report is limited to the following areas:

1. Enugu North Local Government Area.
2. Limited for only junior students in the secondary schools.
3. Facilities (Laboratory and Equipment).
4. Qualification
5. Finding (Government, Private)
6. Students and Parents.

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1.5 Significance of the Study

The result of this study will help teachers in Enugu North Local Government Area to know the area of much emphasis in their teaching methods. This study would provide the Ministry of Education with useful information based on poor or good performance of students in English language and computer science and so many examination bodies, which would make teachers of English language and computer science and also establish computer laboratory for effective practical work on computer studies.

The officials of education services and curriculum planners in this area of English language and computer science would benefit from the findings of this study. They would be provided with some information on the need to inculcate effective communication of English language and computer science by the students.

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1.6 Research Questions

How could we utilize ranking method of influencing factors in predicting students' academic performance in learning of computer science and English language:

• To what extent should instructional materials be utilized to determine the academic performance of students?
• State the measure in identifying the academic performance of students on computer science and English language?
• What are the causes of poor performances of students in teaching and learning of English language and computer science?