AN EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SOCIAL STUDIES INSTRUCTION IN ENHANCING POLITICAL AWARENESS AMONG JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN BIU LGA, BORNO STATE

This study evaluates the effectiveness of Social Studies instruction in fostering political awareness among junior secondary school students in Biu Local Government Area (LGA), Borno State, Nigeria. The objectives of the study are to examine the degree to which Social Studies enhances students' political awareness, assess their understanding of political concepts, identify teaching methods employed, and evaluate the challenges affecting instruction. A descriptive survey design was employed to gather comprehensive data without altering any variables. The study population comprised all junior secondary school (JSS 1-3) students and Social Studies teachers across public and private schools in Biu LGA. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select 150 students and 90 teachers, ensuring balanced representation based on gender, class level, and school type. Data was collected through structured questionnaires tailored separately for students and teachers. These instruments covered demographic information, understanding of political concepts, instructional methods, and challenges faced in delivering content. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, mean scores) and inferential statistics (Chi-square and t-tests) via SPSS software at a 0.05 level of significance. The study anticipates revealing how effectively Social Studies instruction shapes political understanding and participation, as well as identifying critical instructional and contextual challenges in politically unstable environments