By Ayo Onikoyi

In a recent study conducted by Educationist Francis Moodu Yakubu and his colleagues, Kayode Ezecheal and Taiye Olayinka Obafemi, have provided compelling evidence that practical-based teaching methods, like demonstrations, significantly enhance academic achievements in primary school pupils.

The study titled “Effect of Demonstration Method on Primary School Pupils’ Academic Achievement in Physical and Health Education” explored the impacts of these teaching strategies on pupils in Kwara State, Nigeria.

The research involved 79 pupils from two public primary schools, utilizing a quasi-experimental research design.

According to the study, the use of the Physical and Health Education Achievement Test (PHEAT) proved that demonstration methods not only improve academic performance but do so irrespective of the pupils’ gender.

This finding underscores the potential benefits of adopting more interactive and practical approaches to education across Nigeria.

Francis Moodu’s work aligns with other research in the field, including a study by Dr. Ngozi Adeola in Lagos State that found similar improvements in Mathematics when teachers employed hands-on learning activities.

Another study by Professor Akin Thomas in Oyo State demonstrated that practical methods in science education significantly boosted students’ understanding and retention of complex concepts.

In response to these findings, the Nigerian Minister of Education, Dr. Uchechukwu Okorie, has expressed strong support for integrating more practical-based learning approaches in schools.

“The evidence presented by our cherished educationists  within this field clearly shows the need for a pedagogical shift in our educational system. It is imperative that we equip our teachers with the necessary skills and resources to adopt more demonstration-based teaching methods,” Dr. Okorie stated.

The Ministry of Education is reportedly considering reforms that would mandate training for teachers in practical teaching methodologies and might also involve revising the national curriculum to incorporate more experiential learning opportunities across subjects.

Educators and policymakers alike are hopeful that these changes could lead to an educational transformation in Nigeria, fostering an environment where practical knowledge and skills are prioritized alongside theoretical understanding.

This shift is expected to prepare Nigerian students more effectively for the demands of the modern world, making education not only more interactive and enjoyable but also more useful in real-life scenarios.