Academic Performance and Attitude Toward Computer-Aided Instruction in Chemistry

Abstract

Student’s performance in Science specifically in Chemistry is continuously deteriorating. Results of achievement tests show students obtaining low performance levels in Science. This indicates the need to upgrade science instruction and this can be achieved with the use of instructional strategies and materials. One of the approaches that can be used in Chemistry teaching is the use of computer-aided instruction (CAI). This study was conducted to determine the effects of CAI on the performance and attitude of Chemistry students from Engineering Science Education Program (ESEP) class at Tabaco National High School, Philippines. It also sought to find out the correlation between performance and attitude towards CAI lessons in Chemistry. Participants of the study involved the ESEP classes composed of 96 students. CAI lessons and attitude questionnaire were administered to the experimental group while the control group, the conventional method of teaching. The experimental method of research utilizing pretest-posttest design and descriptive type utilizing correlational method were used in the conduct of the study.

Findings revealed that the experimental group obtained a higher performance level after CAI implementation; there is a significant pre/post mean gain in the performance of the group in Chemistry. Another significant finding showed that the experimental group had strong positive attitude towards CAI lessons in Chemistry; there was a significant correlation in performance and attitude towards CAI lessons. It is recommended that CAI should be used in teaching for the improvement of skills in the different topics in Chemistry and other science subjects.