Generate the background to the study on this topic: Effect of Scaffolding techniques on Secondary School Students' academic Achievement in Islamic studies, Ilorin , Nigeria?

Islamic studies is a crucial subject in the curriculum of secondary schools in Nigeria, particularly in Ilorin, where a significant portion of the population is Muslim. However, there is a growing concern about the academic performance of students in this subject. Many students struggle to grasp the complex concepts and teachings of Islamic studies, leading to poor academic achievement.

One potential solution to this problem is the implementation of scaffolding techniques in the teaching of Islamic studies. Scaffolding is a teaching method that provides students with the necessary support and guidance to help them understand and master challenging concepts. By breaking down the material into smaller, more manageable chunks and providing students with the necessary tools and resources, scaffolding can help improve students' academic achievement in Islamic studies.

This study aims to investigate the effect of scaffolding techniques on secondary school students' academic achievement in Islamic studies in Ilorin, Nigeria. The research will involve implementing various scaffolding techniques in the classroom and assessing their impact on students' understanding and performance in the subject. By identifying the most effective scaffolding strategies, this study seeks to provide valuable insights for educators and policymakers on how to improve the teaching and learning of Islamic studies in secondary schools in Nigeria.

Introduction

Islamic studies, as an academic discipline, plays a significant role in shaping the religious and moral values of secondary school students in Nigeria. It provides them with a comprehensive understanding of the Islamic faith, its teachings, and its relevance to their daily lives. However, achieving academic excellence in Islamic studies has proven to be a challenge for many students, necessitating the exploration of innovative teaching methods to enhance their learning outcomes.

Background

In the Nigerian educational system, secondary school students often struggle with Islamic studies due to various factors, including:

- Cognitive overload: The curriculum for Islamic studies tends to be vast and complex, encompassing multiple aspects of the religion, such as history, theology, ethics, and jurisprudence.
- Limited prior knowledge: Many students enter secondary school with limited prior exposure to Islamic teachings, making it difficult for them to comprehend and retain the new information presented in class.
- Instructional methods: Traditional teaching methods such as lectures and rote memorization may not be effective in fostering deep understanding and critical thinking skills in students.
- Lack of motivation: Some students may lack the intrinsic motivation to learn about Islamic studies, resulting in low engagement and poor academic performance.

Need for Scaffolding Techniques

Scaffolding techniques are a set of instructional strategies designed to provide structured support for learners as they engage with challenging academic tasks. These techniques aim to bridge the gap between students' current knowledge and the targeted learning goals by providing temporary assistance and guidance.

In the context of Islamic studies, scaffolding techniques can address the challenges faced by secondary school students by:

- Simplifying complex concepts: Breaking down complex theological or historical concepts into smaller, more manageable chunks that students can easily comprehend.
- Providing gradual support: Offering step-by-step guidance as students progress through learning activities, reducing cognitive load and promoting self-efficacy.
- Enhancing prior knowledge: Activating students' prior knowledge of Islamic teachings and connecting it to new concepts, building upon their existing understanding.
- Fostering motivation: Incorporating engaging activities, real-world examples, and interactive tasks to increase students' interest and motivation in Islamic studies.

Research Question

The main research question of this study is:

- What is the effect of scaffolding techniques on the academic achievement of secondary school students in Islamic studies in Ilorin, Nigeria?