IMPACT OF AUGMENTED REALITY (AR) ON CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND INTEREST IN PHYSICS, MATHEMATICS, BIOLOGY, AND CHEMISTRY AMONG SENIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS
1 Department of Science Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
* Corresponding author: zaliyu@abu.edu.ng
* Corresponding author: zaliyu@abu.edu.ng
Abstract
This study investigated the impact of Augmented Reality (AR)-based instruction on students’ conceptual understanding and
interest in Physics, Mathematics, Biology, and Chemistry among senior secondary school students in Zaria Education Zone,
Kaduna State, Nigeria. A quasi-experimental design was adopted involving a pre-test, post-test control group using intact
classes. A total of 180 from 327 SSII students were purposively selected using a simple random sampling technique and
divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group received AR-based instruction using interactive digital
content, while the control group was taught using conventional methods. Two instruments—the STEM Conceptual
Understanding Test (SCUT) and the STEM Interest Inventory (SII)—were used to collect data, and analysis was carried out
using ANCOVA. Results revealed a statistically significant difference in favour of the AR group in both conceptual
understanding (F(1,176) = 45.32, p < 0.001, η² = 0.205) and interest (F(1,176) = 37.94, p < 0.001, η² = 0.178). The findings
support the efficacy of AR in improving STEM learning outcomes by making abstract concepts more accessible and enhancing
student motivation. The study recommends the integration of AR tools into STEM education, teacher training in AR pedagogy,
and the development of supportive infrastructure in secondary schools.
Keywords
Augmented Reality
Conceptual Understanding
STEM Education
Student Interest
Senior Secondary School
Nigeria
References
- Adie, A. E., Agim, F., Iye, A. V., & Ezinwa, O. Science and Technology Teachers are Foundations of a Developing Nation using Cross River State of Nigeria as a Case Study.
- Akçayır, M., & Akçayır, G. (2017). Advantages and challenges associated with augmented reality for education: A systematic review of the literature. Educational Research Review, 20, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2016.11.002
- Alkhattabi, M. (2017). Augmented Reality as E-learning tool in primary schools' education: Barriers to teachers' adoption. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET), 12(2), 91–100. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v12i02.6158
- Bressler, D. M., & Bodzin, A. M. (2013). A mixed methods assessment of students' flow experiences during a mobile augmented reality science game. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 29(6), 505–517. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.12008
- Çetinkaya, L., & Keserel, A. (2021). The effect of augmented reality applications on chemistry achievement and attitude toward chemistry. Education and Information Technologies, 26(1), 105–123. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-020-10219-4
- Ibáñez, M. B., & Delgado-Kloos, C. (2018). Augmented reality for STEM learning: A systematic review. Computers & Education, 123, 109–123. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2018.05.002
- Mayer, R. E. (2005). The Cambridge Handbook of Multimedia Learning. Cambridge University Press.
- WAEC. (2021–2023). Chief Examiners' Reports on the Performance of Candidates in the Senior School Certificate Examination. West African Examinations Council.
Cited By (1)
Works that cite this article, via Crossref Cited-by.
- Curriculum-Aligned AR for Secondary Physics: Learning and Engagement in Circular Motion and Magnetic Force . Education Sciences (2026) . https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci16101652
How to Cite
ALIYU, Z., LAWAL, A., AUWAL, A. A., & ZAKARI, O. J. (2025). IMPACT OF AUGMENTED REALITY (AR) ON CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND INTEREST IN PHYSICS, MATHEMATICS, BIOLOGY, AND CHEMISTRY AMONG SENIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS. Global Journal of Health Related Researches, 7(2), 68-72. https://doi.org/10.67203/gjhrr.2025.9m2cj7na
Z. ALIYU, A. LAWAL, A. A. AUWAL, and O. J. ZAKARI, "IMPACT OF AUGMENTED REALITY (AR) ON CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND INTEREST IN PHYSICS, MATHEMATICS, BIOLOGY, AND CHEMISTRY AMONG SENIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS," Global Journal of Health Related Researches, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 68-72, August 2025. doi: 10.67203/gjhrr.2025.9m2cj7na