Assessment of Laboratory Instructional Strategy on Practical Skills Acquisition in Computer Science among Undergraduate Students in Usmanu Danfodio University Sokoto

Abstract This paper assessed laboratory instructional strategy on practical skills acquisition in computer science among undergraduate students in UDUS Affiliated Programme. Three (3) objectives and research questions each were formulated to guide the study. The study adopted descriptive survey design and population of the study comprised of all 300 level UDUS students of 2022/2023 academic session (of the formerly affiliated Federal College of Education, Zaria). Since the population (361) is not as large as in other researches, the researchers have decided to use same as sample size using purposive sampling technique. Questionnaire was the sole instrument used for data collection in this study from the respondents (students). Data analysis was undertaken using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts and simple percentages. The study revealed that the use of laboratory instructional strategy by teachers has assisted UDUS B.Ed students in the practical skill acquisition of computer science in FUE, Zaria to a great extent. FUE, Zaria have the required facilities that supports the use of laboratory instructional strategy towards the practical skills acquisition in computer science for UDUS B.Ed students. The effects of the use of laboratory instructional strategy on the practical skills acquisition in computer science among UDUS B.Ed students in FUE, Zaria, is relatively positive and high. Thus, the study recommended the need for education managers to advocate for the strong use of this strategy in teaching science related subject. Finally, this strategy is student - centeredness and should therefore be encouraged in all teacher training institutions when teaching computer science students. Keywords: Computer Science, Instructional Strategy, Practical Skills Acquisition