VIEWERSHIP OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES ON TELEVISION AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN LAGOS.

CHAPTER ONE:

INTRODUCTION

1. Background of the Study

One of the most common forms of home entertainment, television is easily available to children of all ages and may be found in the majority of houses. It is often believed that youngsters are susceptible to all types of messages that are broadcast on television sets on a regular basis because of their young age and lack of life experience. In explaining communication, Rodman (2016) believes that: communication refers to the method whereby human beings exchange messages. The message might be intended to amuse, enlighten, or even persuade the audience. It might also be verbal or visual, deliberate or accidental, and intended or not. In point of fact, it is possible for it to inadvertently provoke a different connotation in the one who sends it compared to the person who gets it. According to Victoria (2019), which is mentioned in Onabanjo, (2021), communication is defined as the process that encompasses all actions of communicating messages via channels which connect individuals through language and symbolic codes utilized to communicate such a message. The television is a condensed medium that fosters a sense of familiarity by bringing the outside world into our living rooms and facilitating the exchange of many worldviews and philosophies. Television is one of the most well known kinds of media in Nigerian homes, where it can be found in a good number of households. According to Rodman (2016), watching television is still the activity that requires the biggest amount of time, and it also continues to be one of the most important sources of news and information. It is the primary means by which politics are communicated via sight and sound, and it is also the primary means by which mankind entertains itself. In addition to this, it remains one of the most effective marketing tools in the whole globe. According to Van (2022), educational programming on television is the practice of spending time in front of a television screen while either actively or passively engaging in what is being broadcast on the screen. He disclosed that educational programs on television can also take into account the amount of time a private spent viewing television programs, the nature of such programs, and the age of the viewer. Gunter and McAleer (2017) consider watching educational programs on television to be a habit that is most commonly practiced by children because it consumes the average viewing time of people. He went on to say that he believed that people' cognitive growth might be affected either favorably or adversely by educational programs shown on television. It is possible for an individual's cognitive skill development to improve if they watch educational programming on television for one to two hours on a daily basis on average. On the other hand, if an individual makes a habit of watching three hours or more of general audience programming on television each day, this may reduce the amount of time an individual would spend engaging verbally and socially with significant others and other significant others, both of which are necessary for effective cognitive skill development. Television is especially attractive because of its alluring colors and sounds. Victoria, (2019). Therefore, the study examines viewership of educational programmes on television among secondary school students in Lagos.

1. 1. Statement of the Problem

Television, one of the most widely consumed forms of public communication, plays a significant role in the lives of today's young people. The television is still a common sight in most living rooms, and it is often the first source of entertainment that youngsters see when they enter a house. Research has shown that certain television programs and contents are not appropriate for young minds, and educational programs that begin by teaching children their alphabet, colors, and shapes at a young age tend to attract the attention of busy parents. However, there are other television programs and contents that are not appropriate for young minds. Sadly, watching television is a handy activity, and viewers of all ages have unrestricted access to all of the shows and material that it offers. Research conducted by Samrat (2018) and Robertson et al. (2021) came to the conclusion that young people's exposure to television is detrimental to the development of their cognitive abilities. In addition, the results of their research showed that there is a connection between watching television and instances of social vices such as open aggression, sexual activity that is not consented to, drug misuse, and other associated immoral activities. The antisocial behaviors that have been noticed among youngsters and are directly connected to the contents that are conveyed in particular television shows are the primary subject of this study. Therefore, the study is geared towards viewership of educational programmes on television among secondary school students in Lagos.

1. 1. Objective of the Study

The broad objective of the study is to examine viewership of educational programmes on television among secondary school students in Lagos.

1. To determine the extent of viewership of educational programmes on television among secondary school students in Lagos

2. To find out the various educational programmes aired on television.

3. To examine the effect of viewership of television educational programmes on students academic achievement.

1. 1. Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

1. What is the extent of viewership of educational programmes on television among secondary school students in Lagos state?

2. What are the various educational programmes aired on television?

3. What is the effect of viewership of television educational programmes on students academic development?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

Ho: The viewership of television educational programmes has no positive effect on the academic development of students.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The study will be significant to school heads and students as Educational television programs are designed to promote the cognitive and prosocial development of children. Research finds that children benefit from viewing well-designed programs in both of these areas.

The study is also significant to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study will examine the effects of television viewership of educational programmes on students Behavior. The study will further focus on the extent of viewership of educational programmes on television among secondary school students in Lagos, the various educational programmes aired on television, and the effect of viewership of television educational programmes on students academic achievement.

The study will be conducted in Ajah, Lagos State.

1.8 Limitation of the Study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Students: a person who is studying at a university or other place of higher education.

Television: a system for converting visual images (with sound) into electrical signals, transmitting them by radio or other means, and displaying them electronically on a screen.

Educational Programmes: a collection of educational activities which are organised to accomplish a pre-determined objective or the completion of a specified set of educational tasks.