METHOD OF TEACHING SCIENCE AS A LIMITATION TO UNDERSTANDING SCIENCE CONCEPTS BY PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

The method a teacher employs in the classroom matter a lot. For this can hinder or enhance pupils understanding of any subject .Science is a subject with complex concepts which may mean different things in the child's language. The method a teacher uses in the class to communicate science concept can be a barrier to their understanding. This study therefore seeks to examine method of teaching as a barrier to understanding science concepts among primary six pupils in Cross River State, Nigeria. One hypothesis was raised and tested. Two instruments were used for data collection. They were, Method of teaching science questionnaire (MTSQ) and 50 item primary science achievement tests. One thousand, eight hundred and eighteen pupils out of sixty eight thousand two hundred and one pupils were randomly selected for the study. Data obtained was analyzed using independent t-test analysis at 0.05 level of significance. The result revealed that there is a significant relationship between method of teaching and pupils' understanding of scientific concepts and academic performance. It is therefore recommended that teachers should use appropriate methods of teaching to communicate science concept to pupils.