Background of the Study
The integration of robotics in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education has become a significant trend in global educational advancements. Robotics offers an interactive and hands-on learning approach that enhances students' understanding of STEM concepts, promotes problem-solving skills, and fosters creativity (Aliyu & Ibrahim, 2024). In developed countries, robotics is increasingly being incorporated into school curricula to provide students with experiential learning opportunities that improve their critical thinking and technological literacy. However, in many developing nations, including Nigeria, the adoption of robotics in secondary schools remains limited due to several factors such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of skilled educators, and insufficient government support (Oladipo & Yusuf, 2023).
In Yobe State, secondary schools face challenges in STEM education, including inadequate laboratory facilities, outdated curricula, and a lack of practical learning resources. Many students struggle with abstract scientific concepts due to the theoretical nature of instruction. Robotics can serve as a bridge between theory and practice, enabling students to visualize and apply STEM principles in real-world scenarios (Abdullahi & Musa, 2024). Through robotics-based education, students can engage in coding, engineering design, and computational thinking, which are essential skills for the digital age.
Despite the benefits of robotics in education, its adoption in Nigerian secondary schools, particularly in Damaturu Local Government Area, remains underexplored. Challenges such as limited funding, lack of teacher training, and the perception that robotics is too complex for secondary school students hinder its implementation. Additionally, there is a scarcity of empirical research evaluating the impact of robotics on student learning outcomes in STEM subjects within this region.
This study seeks to evaluate the role of robotics in STEM education in secondary schools in Damaturu Local Government Area. By assessing the extent of robotics integration, its impact on student performance, and the challenges hindering its adoption, the study will provide valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and stakeholders in the education sector.
Statement of the Problem
STEM education is critical for national development, yet many Nigerian secondary schools struggle to provide students with the practical skills necessary for success in science and technology-related fields. Traditional teaching methods often rely heavily on rote memorization, offering limited opportunities for hands-on learning and problem-solving (Adebayo & Hassan, 2024). As a result, students develop a weak foundation in STEM subjects, which contributes to declining interest and poor performance in mathematics and science-related disciplines.
Robotics presents an opportunity to address these challenges by making STEM education more engaging and interactive. However, the extent to which robotics has been integrated into secondary school curricula in Damaturu Local Government Area remains unclear. Many schools lack the resources and trained personnel to implement robotics education effectively, and there is limited empirical evidence on its impact on student learning outcomes (Usman & Bala, 2024).
This study aims to bridge this gap by evaluating the role of robotics in STEM education in secondary schools in Damaturu. It will assess how robotics is currently being used in classrooms, its impact on student learning, and the barriers preventing its widespread adoption. The findings will contribute to the body of knowledge on STEM education in Nigeria and provide recommendations for improving robotics integration in schools.
Objectives of the Study
To assess the extent of robotics integration in STEM education in secondary schools in Damaturu Local Government Area.
To evaluate the impact of robotics on student engagement and academic performance in STEM subjects.
To identify the challenges hindering the effective adoption of robotics in secondary school STEM education.
Research Questions
To what extent is robotics being integrated into STEM education in secondary schools in Damaturu Local Government Area?
What impact does robotics have on student engagement and academic performance in STEM subjects?
What are the major challenges affecting the effective adoption of robotics in secondary school STEM education?
Research Hypotheses
Robotics is not widely integrated into STEM education in secondary schools in Damaturu Local Government Area.
The use of robotics has a significant impact on student engagement and academic performance in STEM subjects.
Limited resources, lack of trained teachers, and inadequate infrastructure are major challenges hindering the adoption of robotics in STEM education.
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it provides insights into the role of robotics in enhancing STEM education in Nigerian secondary schools. The findings will inform policymakers, educators, and school administrators on the benefits and challenges of integrating robotics into the curriculum. Additionally, the study will offer recommendations for improving STEM education through robotics, helping to equip students with essential technological and problem-solving skills needed for future careers in science and engineering.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to secondary schools in Damaturu Local Government Area, Yobe State. It focuses on evaluating the role of robotics in STEM education, assessing its impact on student engagement and performance, and identifying the challenges affecting its adoption. The study does not cover primary schools or tertiary institutions.
Definitions of Terms
Robotics: The branch of technology that deals with the design, construction, operation, and use of robots, particularly in educational settings to enhance learning experiences.
STEM Education: An interdisciplinary approach to learning that integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics to develop students' problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Student Engagement: The level of interest, motivation, and active participation of students in learning activities, particularly in STEM subjects.
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