The effect of social media on STEM awareness among secondary school students in Jalingo LGA, Taraba State
- Project Research
- 1-5 Chapters
- Abstract : Available
- Table of Content: Available
- Reference Style:
- Recommended for :
- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Social media has revolutionized the way information is disseminated and consumed, and its influence extends into the realm of education. In Jalingo LGA, Taraba State, secondary school students are increasingly exposed to STEM content through various social media platforms. This digital exposure has the potential to enhance STEM awareness by providing accessible, engaging, and up-to-date information on scientific discoveries, technological advancements, and engineering innovations. Recent studies suggest that social media can serve as an informal yet powerful tool for augmenting traditional education, sparking curiosity, and motivating students to explore STEM subjects (Musa, 2023). Platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter offer multimedia content that can demystify complex scientific concepts through interactive visuals and succinct explanations. In addition, social media networks facilitate community building among students, enabling peer-to-peer learning and discussion that can reinforce classroom learning (Abubakar, 2024). Despite these potential benefits, there is a growing concern that the vast amount of unfiltered information available online may also lead to misconceptions and distract students from rigorous academic study. In Jalingo LGA, educators are grappling with how to harness social media’s potential while mitigating its drawbacks. The rapid dissemination of STEM-related content through social media is often not aligned with the formal curriculum, which can create gaps in students’ structured learning. However, innovative educators have begun to integrate social media into their teaching practices by curating quality content and encouraging critical evaluation of online resources (Musa, 2023). This study will explore the effect of social media on STEM awareness among secondary school students in Jalingo LGA, examining both its positive impacts—such as increased access to information and heightened interest in STEM—and potential negative effects, including misinformation and distraction. By employing surveys, focus group discussions, and academic performance assessments, the research aims to provide a nuanced analysis of social media’s role in shaping students’ perceptions and understanding of STEM subjects. Ultimately, the study seeks to offer practical recommendations for educators and policymakers on how to effectively leverage social media as a tool for enhancing STEM awareness in secondary schools.
Statement of the Problem
While social media holds promise for increasing STEM awareness, its actual impact on secondary school students in Jalingo LGA remains unclear. Many educators express concerns that the unregulated nature of online content can lead to the spread of inaccurate scientific information, which may confuse students and undermine formal instruction (Musa, 2023). Additionally, excessive use of social media for entertainment purposes can detract from academic focus, resulting in lower performance in STEM subjects. There is also a lack of structured guidance on how to integrate social media into the classroom in a way that complements the curriculum rather than competing with it (Abubakar, 2024). These challenges are compounded by the fact that not all students have equal access to quality digital resources, leading to disparities in STEM awareness and academic achievement. Furthermore, while social media platforms are frequently used to disseminate information, there is limited research on how this digital exposure translates into practical understanding and interest in STEM fields. The current educational framework in Jalingo LGA does not fully address these issues, leaving a gap between the potential benefits of social media and its actual impact on learning outcomes. This study aims to systematically investigate these challenges by analyzing the types and quality of STEM-related content that students encounter on social media, as well as the extent to which this exposure influences their academic performance and career aspirations in STEM fields. By examining both the positive and negative aspects of social media usage, the research seeks to provide a balanced understanding of its role in education. The findings will be critical in guiding future strategies for integrating social media into formal teaching practices and ensuring that its use contributes positively to STEM awareness and learning in secondary schools.
Objectives of the Study
-
To determine the impact of social media on STEM awareness among secondary school students.
-
To identify challenges associated with using social media as an educational tool in STEM.
-
To recommend guidelines for effective integration of social media in secondary school STEM curricula.
Research Questions
-
What is the relationship between social media use and STEM awareness among secondary students?
-
What challenges do students and teachers face when using social media for STEM learning?
-
How can social media be effectively integrated into the formal STEM curriculum?
Research Hypotheses
-
Increased exposure to STEM content on social media is positively associated with higher STEM awareness.
-
Unregulated social media use contributes to the spread of scientific misconceptions among students.
-
Structured integration of social media into classroom instruction improves academic performance in STEM subjects.
Significance of the Study
The study will offer valuable insights into the dual-edged role of social media in shaping STEM awareness. Its findings will help educators and policymakers create strategies to harness social media’s benefits while minimizing its risks, thereby supporting improved academic outcomes and informed digital literacy among secondary school students.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to secondary school students in Jalingo LGA, Taraba State, and focuses solely on the role of social media in promoting STEM awareness. It does not consider other digital platforms or informal learning outside the school environment. Variations in access to technology may also affect the generalizability of the results.
Definitions of Terms
-
Social Media: Online platforms that facilitate the sharing of information and communication among users.
-
STEM Awareness: The level of understanding and interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
-
Digital Literacy: The ability to critically evaluate and effectively use digital information and tools.
Related Project Materials
A CRITICAL SURVEY OF ENGLISH COMMON SPELLING ERRORS
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Though many people would agree that the standard of education in Nigeria has de...
EVALUATION OF THE IMPACT OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAW THE POLITICS OF EARTH PROTECTION
BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
Environmental laws are meant to safeguard humans from extinction. It is also th...
An assessment of the impact of new religious movements on ancestral worship in Obubra Local Government, Cross River State
Background of the Study
Ancestral worship has traditionally been a cornerstone of spiritual life in Obubra Local Governmen...
An Appraisal of Income Growth’s Effects on Economic Diversification in Nigeria
Background of the Study
Over the past few years, Nigeria’s economy has witnessed noticeable income growth alongside o...
An assessment of the geopolitical dynamics influencing border security in Nguru Local Government Area, Yobe State
Background of the Study
Nguru Local Government Area (LGA) in Yobe State, situated in northeastern Nigeria, is a region significantly affecte...
DETECTION OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS FROM INMATES IN SELECTED CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES IN NIGER STATE
ABSTRACT
Research has shown high transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) among inmates in correctional facilities in the developed world,...
Design of AI-Based Smart School Fees Payment Systems in Federal College of Education, Okene, Kogi State
Background of the study
Efficient and secure fee payment systems are essential for the smooth operation of educational institutions. Trad...
The Influence of Radio on Community-Based Disaster Risk Management: A Case Study of Jalingo Local Government Area, Taraba State.
Chapter One: Introduction
The Effectiveness of Newspaper Campaigns on Sanitation Practices in Maiduguri Local Government, Borno State
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Sanitation is crucial to public health, contributing significantly to the...
BRAND EQUITY AND SALES PERFORMANCE (A SURVEY OF SELECTED MANUFACTURING COMPANIES IN PORT HARCOURT)
ABSTRACT
Companies desire earnestly to improve their performance in the market. All marketing decisions...
