CURRICULUM REFORMS IN BUSINESS EDUCATION: THE ICT IMPERATIVE FOR TEACHING EFFICIENCY IN NIGERIA’S JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the ICT component of Curriculum reform and the effect of computer skills on effective teaching of business studies in JSS in Akamkpa Educational zone.  To aid the study, three research questions were developed and tested, with review of relevant literature.  Survey design that covered Akamkpa Educational Zone, and random sample method was adopted to draw a sample size of 100 respondents the questionnaire was the instruments used for the data collection.  A questionnaire with 19 structural items designed by the researchers was used for data collection.  The instrument was face-validated by three experts in the department of curriculum and teaching, college of Education, Akamkpa.  Cronbach’s Alpha method was used in determining the reliability of the instrument and a correlation coefficient index of 0.87 was obtained; mean and standard deviation was used in analyzing the data used in answering the research question, the findings of the study revealed that computer skills enhance the teaching of business studies and also the performance of students.  The findings further established that ICT is a reliable teaching tool and teachers need the skills to connect basic computer components for lesson delivery.  It was recommended that ICT should be introduced early enough to the students and government should provide schools with computers and their accessories; also periodic training of teachers to upgrade their computer skills should also be instituted.