Evaluation of Topical Coverage and Study Questions of Approved Integrated Science Textbooks in Ebonyi State Junior Secondary Schools, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the topical coverage and study questions adequacy for six approved integrated science textbooks in Ebonyi state junior secondary schools (JSS). Two research questions, namely: 1. How do the contents of integrated science textbooks in Ebonyi state junior secondary school cover the content specified in the core-curriculum? 2. How adequate are the study questions of each of the integrated science textbooks in Ebonyi state junior secondary schools? One hypothesis which states that the contents of the integrated science textbooks in Ebonyi state JSS do not significantly deviate from the specifications of the core-curriculum guided the study. The sample comprised six integrated science textbooks, twenty one secondary schools and sixty three integrated science teachers. A 5-point quantities approach for content evaluation of science textbooks (QACEST) Formula was used to answer research question while the null hypothesis was tested using Chi-square test of goodness of fit. The data showed that the STAN series integrated science textbooks had adequate topical coverage and study questions while the LONGMAN series had no study questions at all. Based on these findings, it was concluded that the integrated science textbooks in Ebonyi state junior secondary schools have acceptable content validity and study questions. LONGMAM series integrated science textbooks cannot be considered adequate in terms of study questions.