Effects of Intelligent Tutoring Method on Students Achievement and Interest in Basic Science and Technology

Abstract

The study investigated the effect of intelligent tutoring method on students’ achievement and interest in basic science and technology. Intelligent tutoring allows students to discover specific information by themselves before they make generalization. Three research questions and three null hypotheses guided the study. Quasi-experimental design was adopted for the study, specifically, non-equivalent control group design. The study was carried out in Bida Education Zone of Niger State. The sample for the study comprised 80 JSS II students from two intact classes in two secondary' schools in Bida Education Zone of Niger State, drawn using multi stage sampling techniques. The experimental group was taught using intelligent tutoring method, while the control group was taught using conventional lecture method. The treatments lasted for four weeks. Two instruments were used for data collection in the study namely: Basic science and Technology Achievement Test (USTAT) and Basic science and technology Interest Inventory Scale (BSTIIS). Data collected were analyzed using mean, standard deviation and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The results revealed that intelligent tutoring instructional method was superior to conventional instructional method in facilitating students' achievement and interest in basic science and technology. There was no significant difference in the mean scores of male and female students in basic science and technology after the treatment, although male students performed slightly better than their female counterpart. Intelligent tutoring method was more effective than the conventional method. Based on the findings of the study, the educational implications of the findings were highlighted and the following recommendations were proffered among others: that basic science and technology teacher educators should adopt intelligent tutoring instructional method when teaching in order to enhance students' achievement and interest in basic science and technology.