Full Project – THE EFFECTS OF EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE EDUCATION ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS
ABSTRACT
This work is a comprehensive study on the Effects of Early Childhood Care Education on the Academic Performance of Public Primary School Pupils in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. For a deep analytical study this research work is divided into five chapters. Chapter one is the introduction of the project. Literature review is in chapter two. Chapter three deals with research, design and methodology. Analysis of data presentation and discussion of findings are found in chapter four while chapter five contains summary, recommendation and conclusion. The main instrument of data collection were the pupils questionnaire which were in two parts section A – personal data and section B – a four point scale study is used.
TABLE OF CONTENT
Title Page – – – – – – – –
Certification – – – – – – –
Approval Page – – – – – – –
Dedication – – – – – – – –
Acknowledgement – – – – – –
Abstract – – – – – – – –
Table of Content – – – – – – –
CHAPTER ONE
1.1 Introduction – – – – – –
1.2 Background of the Study – – – –
1.3 State of the Problem – – – – –
1.4 Purpose of the Study – – – – –
1.5 Research Question — – – – –
1.6 Research Hypothesis – – – – –
1.7 Significance of the Study – – – –
1.8 The Limitation of the Study – – – –
1.9 Delimitation of the Study – – – –
1.10 Definition of Terms – – – – –
CHAPTER TWO
2.1 Introduction – – – – – –
2.2 Early Childhood Education Concept and Scope –
2.3 Objective of Early Childhood Education – –
2.4 Historical Development of Early Childhood
Education – – – – – – –
2.5 Different Organizations involved in Early Childhood
Education – – – – – – –
2.6 Early Childhood Education and the Scientific
Process – – – – – – –
2.7 Science in Early Childhood Education – –
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHOD
3.1 Introduction – – – – – –
3.2 Research Design – – – – – –
3.3 Area of Study – – – – – –
3.4 Population of the Study – – – –
3.5 Sample and Sampling Technique – – –
3.6 Instrumentation – – – – – –
3.7 Validation of the Instrument – – – –
3.8 Administration of the Instrument – – –
3.9 Method of Data Analysis – – – – –
CHAPTER FOUR: RESULT AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Introduction – – – – – –
4.2 Discussion and Results – – – –
4.3 Summary of Findings – – – – –
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Introduction – – – – – –
5.2 Summary – – – – – – –
5.3 Conclusion – – – – – – –
5.4 Recommendations – – – – –
5.5 Suggestions for Further Study – – – –
References – – – – – – –
Appendix – – – – – – –
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
What a nation makes of education system to a large extent will dictate the tempo of her match to nationhood and self-reliance (Okeke, 1990) Education is regarded as a dynamic instruments of change, thus Nigerian government accepts education to be a huge government venture and gives it a wholehearted support.
For sometimes now early childhood education has been a great concern to educators, scholars, researcher’s governmental and non-governmental agencies and indeed the generality of the populace of Nigeria. This is because education at this level represents the pivot and the initial focal point on which the entire education system rotates. It is the embryo of the whole education system. The management and planning of education at this pre-school stage, thus is of immense importance to the education system in particular and to the entire nation at large. This is because the foundation for a sound qualitative and functional education system can be best laid here.
These nurseries and kindergartens form the first step in public education and help the family in the moral and aesthetic education of children in maintaining and strengthening their health and preparing them for school.
Early childhood is referred to as a period between two to six years. This is sometimes referred to as pre-primary stage. Growth at this state proceeds at a very fast rate although slower than that of the baby.
The historical development of early childhood education coincided with the historical development of science education. The contributions of many early childhood educators stimulated awareness in the relevance of science to the education of the young child.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
It is generally agreed that a child’s performance begins in his/her early stage. The economic status of the family notwithstanding, the child’s ability in academic performance is traceable to how effective the learning capacity can be. When a child starts early enough to master his subjects especially in science the performance level can then be agreed to perform above the expectation. Science as a subject will be made to be a yardstick that can be used to measure a level of the performance.
1.3 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
The purpose of the study is to investigate the influence of early childhood and academic performance. Specifically, the purpose of the study includes the following:
- To investigate the effect of early childhood in the study of science on the academic performance of primary four pupils.
- To investigate the role played by parents on the academic performance of their children especially on science.
- To determine the methods that could be applied on the academic performance of science pupils in primary four.
- To assess the relationship between the early childhood and the study of science in primary four.
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The study is significant for a number of reasons. It will discover early childhood can influence the study of science in primary four. It will also bring out data on the effect of early childhood on the academic performance of pupils which will be useful for the educational administration in future. It will be useful for primary school teachers, head of administration in the management of their schools to attain a targeted goal of high level of academic excellence. It is also believed that this study will be useful to future researches in the same topic.
1.5 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
- Is there any influence on early childhood on the academic performance of Primary School pupils?
- Does educational background of parents significantly affect the child’s academic performance in Uyo Local Government Area?
- Is there any relationship between parental educational background in science and the early childhood academic performance?
1.6 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS
- There is no significant relationship between early childhood and academic performance of primary four in science.
- There is no significant relationship between educational background of parents and the child’s academic performance in
- There is no significant relationship between parental educational background in science and academic performance of pupils in Primary School.
1.7 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The significance of the study on the effects of Early Childhood Care Education (ECCE) on the academic performance of public primary school pupils is multi-faceted. Firstly, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the role of early education in shaping a child’s academic future. ECCE is a critical phase of education that lays the foundation for a child’s cognitive, social, and emotional development. It is during this period that children acquire basic skills and knowledge, which significantly influence their learning abilities in later years.
Secondly, the study highlights the importance of quality ECCE in improving the academic performance of pupils in public primary schools. It underscores the need for well-structured early childhood programs that are designed to stimulate children’s curiosity and enhance their learning capabilities. The study provides empirical evidence that children who receive quality ECCE are more likely to perform better academically in primary school compared to those who do not.
Thirdly, the study emphasizes the role of ECCE in reducing educational disparities among children from different socio-economic backgrounds. It suggests that providing access to quality ECCE can help level the playing field for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, thereby improving their chances of academic success in primary school. This is particularly significant in public primary schools, where children from diverse socio-economic backgrounds converge.
Fourthly, the study contributes to the ongoing discourse on education policy and planning. The findings of the study can inform policy decisions regarding the allocation of resources to ECCE. Policymakers can use the evidence from the study to advocate for increased investment in ECCE, given its potential to enhance the academic performance of public primary school pupils.
Fifthly, the study has implications for teacher training and professional development. It underscores the need for well-trained and competent early childhood educators who can effectively facilitate children’s learning and development. The study suggests that the quality of ECCE is largely dependent on the skills and competencies of the educators, thereby highlighting the importance of investing in teacher training and development.
Lastly, the study is significant for parents and caregivers. It provides them with valuable insights into the importance of ECCE in shaping their children’s academic future. The study can help parents make informed decisions about their children’s early education, thereby ensuring that they are well-prepared for primary school.
The significance of the research study serves as a guide to improve the general academic performance of a child. The finding on the study will help the policy makers to realize the importance of early childhood on the academic performance of Primary School pupils. The report on the study will encourage the parents to be conscious of encouraging their children to develop interest in the study of science.
1.8 THE LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
The study examines The Effects of Early Childhood Care Education on the Academic Performance of Public Primary School Pupils. The limitation of the study based on the various obstacles and set backs range from the lack of funds to finance the conduct of the research, transportation and lack of other relevant logistics.
The problem of inadequate reference materials to obtain relevant information and finally lack of full co-operation from the targeted audience in areas visited.
1.9 DELIMITATION OF THE STUDY
The study is limited to primary four pupils in Uyo Local Government Area studying science. The generalization of the study should be such that limited to Primary School pupils.
1.10 DEFINITION OF TERMS
- Education: A process in which someone is taught better ways of doing things
- Democratic Society: A society being free and free for citizens.
- Philosophy: The study of how nature exists and knowledge about people.
- Interest: To develop love for a particular thing.
- Exploration: To assess for discovery.
- Laudable: Deserved to be praised or admired.
Full Project – THE EFFECTS OF EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE EDUCATION ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS