Challenges of Effective Science Teaching in Multicultural Classrooms in Nigeria: Implication for Nation Building
Adedamola A. A. Kareem, Ph.D
Department of Science and Technology Education
University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
Science is a search for meanings or explanation of events in nature. It’s an attempt by human beings to organize their experiences about nature into meaningful systems of description, explanations and predictions. Science is the bedrock of development in nation building. The basic knowledge and skills acquired in science through science teaching are useful for scientific and technological development of a country. With uncontrolled migration and relocation of people with diverse cultural backgrounds within and across countries especially Nigeria, in recent times, one wonders if the objectives of science teaching is successfully achieved. This study examined the challenges of teaching science in multicultural classrooms in Nigeria. An ex-post facto research design was employed with all the science teachers in Ogun State, Nigeria. An instrument titled Challenges of Science Teaching in Multicultural Classroom (CSTMC) was designed and validated (r= 0.78) by the researchers was used to collect data. The data were analysed using percentages, mean and standard deviation. Findings were that challenges in multicultural classrooms included communication problems ( =2.87), difficulties in utilization of instructional materials (X=2.90), classroom interaction ( =2.63). The result also revealed that the methodology science teachers regularly used is lecture method ( =2.97). Recommendations were among others that incorporation of multicultural science education during science teacher preparation, in-service training for science teachers on multicultural education, formulation of government policy on multicultural science education in secondary schools to ensure quality assurance of science teaching for consistent nation building and national development.
Keywords: Science teachers, Multicultural education, Classroom, Challenges, Nation Building
