Building Skills and Inclusivity Through Scientific Crafts for Self-Reliance of Students in Rivers State

Abstract

This study investigated Building skills and Inclusivity through Scientific Crafts for Self-Reliance of Students in Rivers State. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population of the study comprised of 342,645 students in all 463 senior secondary schools across the three senatorial areas of the state. The sample of the study included 284 respondents (250 science students and 34 science teachers) selected from three schools, one each per senatorial district. The sample size was determined using Taro Yamene formula. The study was guided by three objectives and three research questions. Checklist and structured questionnaire served as instruments for data collection. The instrument was validated by two experts in the Department of Science Education, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt. The test-retest method was used to estimate the reliability of the instrument, with a reliability coefficient of 0.82. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation to answer all research questions. Findings revealed that skills developed through scientific crafts included critical thinking, problem solving, creativity and innovation, entrepreneurial, income generation skills, etc. It also showed that building skills through scientific crafts influences students’ self-reliant ability to a high extent. Finally, findings revealed that, building skills through scientific crafts influences students’ critical thinking and problem- solving ability to a very high extent. Building skills through scientific crafts significantly improved students’ practical skills, creativity, and confidence in applying scientific knowledge to real-life situations. Based on these findings, the study recommended that science educators should consistently adopt scientific crafts in classroom instruction, while school administrators and education stakeholders should provide training and resources to encourage this practice.