Perception of the Implementation of Computer-Based and Computer Adaptive Testing in Science Subjects among Senior Secondary Schools in Bwari Local Government Area, Abuja

Abstract

The study assessed the perceptions of teachers and students regarding the feasibility of the implementation of computer-based and computer-adaptive testing in science subjects among senior secondary schools in the Bwari Area Council, Abuja. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The study population consisted of 5,804 secondary science students and 96 science teachers from secondary schools in the Bwari Area Council. A simple random sampling technique was used for selecting schools for the study, while a sample of 374 students and 66 teachers was used for the study. An instrument titled “Computer-Based and Computer Adaptive Testing for Science Subjects in Secondary Schools in Abuja Questionnaire (CBCATSSSSAQ)” was used for data collection. The questionnaire was validated by three experts in the Faculty of Science Education, Veritas University Abuja. A trial test was conducted on 30 students and 30 teachers who were not part of the sample but part of the population, using Cronbach's alpha reliability the trial test yielded a result of 0.92. The collected data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the two (2) research questions, while the hypothesis was tested using a t-test at a 0.05 significance level. The study found out that there are many challenges facing the actual feasibility of the implementation of CBT and CAT such as inadequate access to computers and technological resources to conduct CBT and CAT effectively, insufficient internet connectivity to support CBT and CAT sessions among others. Based on these findings, it was recommended that the government and relevant stakeholders should initiate targeted investments in digital infrastructure and pilot CBT and CAT programmes in secondary schools in Bwari Area Council, and school principals should ensure that internet facilities are provided in their schools to facilitate CBT and CAT and improve students’ engagement.