THE EFFECT OF SOCIAL NETWORKS ON JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ BASIC SCIENCE ACHIEVEMENT
This study looked at the impact of social networks on the achievement of junior secondary school students in basic science. The researcher focused on secondary school students studying Basic Science in Akure North Local Government Area. A structured questionnaire was used as the research instrument in this study.
With the permission of the school principals, 100 questionnaires were distributed to students offering Basic science with the assistance of their class teachers, who assisted in identifying those Basic science students. This study discovered that secondary school Basic science students in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria, appear to use social networking sites differently depending on their gender.
When compared to other social networking sites, secondary school students visit 2go, Facebook, and WhatsApp via their handsets or GSM. According to the study, teachers, parents, guardians, and school administrators should teach students the importance of prioritizing their needs and visiting social networking sites with good intentions rather than for ulterior motives. They should be encouraged to investigate the potential advantages of social networking sites.
The contents page
Abstract
INTRODUCTION TO CHAPTER ONE
1.1 Background to the Study 1.2 Problem Statement 1.3 Purpose of the Study 1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Research Theories
1.6 Importance of the Research
1.7 The Study’s Scope
1.8 Terms Definition
REVIEW OF LITERATURE IN CHAPTER TWO
2.1 The Social Network Concept
2.2 Social Networking Concept 2.3 Basic Science Concept
2.4 Empirical Investigation
2.5 Theoretical Structure
2.6 Social Network Effects and Benefits for Students
2.7 Basic science/school management efforts to make social networking more effective for students
2.8 Evaluation/Perception of Students’ Use of Social Networks
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY (CHAPTER THREE)
3.1 Research Plan
3.2 The Population and the Sample
3.3 Research Device
3.4 Research Methodology/Procedure
3.5 Data Analysis Method
DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION IN CHAPTER FOUR
4.1 Evaluation
4.2 Findings and Discussion
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS IN CHAPTER FIVE
5.1 Executive Summary
5.2 Final Thoughts
5.3 Suggestions
REFERENCES \sAPPENDIXES
QUESTIONNAIRE
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 The Study’s Background
Socialization is a life-long process that continues as people change jobs or roles, as well as as society changes. It is an age-old human activity that involves the interaction of one human being with another in the environment in which they live (Haralambos, Holborn and Healed, 2008). Before the advent of new technologies that transformed socialization into a new system in society, socialization had long been observed.
The advent of the internet and social networks coincided with the transition to the technological era. The advancement of technology has made it easier for people, particularly young people, to gain access to the internet and thus social networking, which they participate in with their friends (Ibrahim, 2012).
The social network or networking has transformed the way people interact with one another. It is a method for people to socialize online. People use it to find and enjoy the company of others online. It encourages the exchange of information and services among individuals and groups with similar interests.
According to Kaplan and Helen (2010), a social network is a collection of internet-based applications that enable the creation and exchange of user-generated content. Similarly, Arshin (2010) defined social networking sites as virtual places where people can find themselves and share information. These social networking sites are open to anyone. When a person creates an account and uploads his or her data to the profile pages, he or she is able to create a network of friends.
Some social networking sites, on the other hand, are specifically designed for mobile phones, while others can be accessed via computers or other information communication technologies.
There are numerous social networking sites, but a few will be mentioned: 2go, facebook, whatsapp, blackberry messenger, e-buddy, orbit, friend wise, nimbuzz, myspace, and so on.
There are no restrictions or limitations on which social networking sites one should belong to; one can be a member of as many as they want. While the key aspects of social networking sites remain consistent, the cultures and responses that emerge are diverse. Most sites connect strangers through shared personal interests, political and economic views, or simply recreational activities.
Some websites cater to specific audiences, while others attract people based on similarities, such as shared racial, sexual, religious, or nationality identities. Nonetheless, social networking sites share a single goal. Its purpose is to promote new ways of communicating and sharing information.
It also provides excellent opportunities for members, including secondary school students and librarians, who use it to promote the library’s services and obtain first-rate information about their users by interacting with them. Students, on the other hand, benefit from some of the postings on some sites because some postings can be informative and educative, and students can comment on them after reading them.
Some secondary school students have developed the habit of frequenting various social networking sites, which has begun to influence their overall attitude; academically, physically, and socially.
A student’s primary goal is academics, especially in secondary school because this is the stage of career development; thus, the importance of taking their studies and reading seriously cannot be overstated.
According to Akintunde (2001), the importance of students developing a good reading habit cannot be overstated. Reading proficiency enables students to succeed and engage with the world outside of the classroom (Mabekoje 2011).
He went on to say that developing a good reading habit broadens readers’ horizons; it is important regardless of other language skills, particularly speaking and writing. The entire educational process and the development of literacy rely on printed words, and reading is the critical means by which students develop this literacy and knowledge about their environment (Mabekoje 2009).
Secondary schools that offer basic science subjects, on the other hand, are expected to use social networks and social networking sites to promote and advance their academic careers through various social networking sites. However, the opposite is true, as these students are frequently observed during school hours in various hiding places, either discussing social media or browsing on their phones.
Long (2012) asserted that it is so common these days that many young people are addicted to social networking activities, abandoning homework and reading time in favor of chatting with friends; even during lectures, many students are on phones engaged in one form or another of chatting, which can be quite distracting and cause loss of concentration most of the time.
Social networking, with its numerous benefits, should not be allowed to divert students’ attention away from the development of Nigeria. Reading empowers everyone and prepares the mind for societal challenges; therefore, it must be restored in order for the nation to develop and progress. As a result, the primary goal of this research is to investigate the impact of social networks on secondary school students.
1.2 Problem Description
Since the introduction of social networking sites in the 1990s, it has been assumed in some quarters that students’ academic achievement has suffered from a kind of neglect and divided attention between social networking activities and academic work. It has been observed that students devote more time to social networking sites than to their studies.
As a result, this study is an attempt to comprehend the potential impact of social networking sites on students’ academic achievement in Basic science as a subject. This is why the impact of social networks on students’ academic achievement in Basic science piques the researcher’s interest, especially given that the social network effect has not been empirically investigated in Basic science, particularly in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, and thus this study is an attempt to fill the research gap.
1.3 The Study’s Goal
The study’s overarching goal is to investigate the effect of social networks on students’ academic achievement in Basic science as a subject in Akure North Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria.
The study’s specific objectives are as follows: I determine the extent to which social networks influence gender performance of students in basic science; and (ii)
(ii) Determine the most popular social networking sites among Basic Science students (iii). Basic science students must determine their purpose for using the identified social networking sites.
(iv) Determine how much time Basic Science students spend on social networking sites (v). Identify the Information and Communication Technologies that are most commonly used for social networking by Basic Science Students in Secondary Schools.
1.4 Research Issues
To guide this study, the following research questions were developed: (i). To what extent does the use of social networks influence students’ gender performance in basic science?
(ii). Which social networking sites are the most popular among Basic Science students?
(iii). What are the goals of Basic Science students’ use of their chosen social network?
(iv). How much time do Basic Science students devote to social networking?
(v). Which information and communication technologies are most commonly used by basic science students to explore their social networks?
1.5 Research Theories
The following hypotheses are proposed to help guide the researcher’s investigation. They are as follows:
I There will be no significant difference in basic science performance between male and female students as a result of their use of social networks.
(ii) There is no correlation between time spent on social networks and academic achievement in basic science students.
(iii) There is no link between the use of social networks and excellent academic achievement in basic science students.
1.6 Importance of the Research
The study will be extremely beneficial to students, parents, guardians, and school teachers, as well as management and other stakeholders in post-primary education. Students who must learn to manage and balance their time effectively in order to contribute significantly to the development of society.
1.7 The Study’s Scope
The purpose of this research is to investigate the impact of social networks on students’ academic achievement in basic science in Akure North Local Government, Ondo State, Nigeria. The researcher intends to cover secondary school students in Akure North Local Government Area who study Basic Science. This scope was chosen to allow for in-depth investigation. However, the research remains hopeful of producing a reliable result.
1.8 Terms Definition
I Social networks: These are forms of electronic communication that allow for interactive interaction based on shared interests. Web and mobile technologies such as computers, GSM, and mobile phones are examples of social networks.
(ii) Social Networking: This is the use of the internet to make information about yourself available to others, particularly those with whom you share an interest. The essence of social networking is the exchange of ideas and messages.
(iv) Academic: It is concerned with studying from books rather than doing practical work.
(v) Basic science: Basic science is a subject taken by Art Class students in Nigerian Senior Secondary Schools.
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THE EFFECT OF SOCIAL NETWORKS ON JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ BASIC SCIENCE ACHIEVEMENT