COMMON DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED BY STUDENTS IN CHEMISTRY PRACTICAL CLASSES IN PUBLIC SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN OREDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the common difficulties encountered by students in chemistry practical class in public senior secondary schools in Oredo local government area of Edo state. In order to achieve the objectives, four (4) research questions were raised to guide the study. Thereafter, relevant and related literature were reviewed. The population of the study consisted of six thousand nine hundred and eighty five (6,985) students from fourteen (14) secondary schools in Oredo LGA of Edo State. One hundred (100) students formed the sample of the study. They were randomly sampled to ensure fair representation

The instrument used in this study was the questionnaire titled “COMMON DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED BY STUDENTS IN CHEMISTRY PRACTICAL CLASS (CDESCPCQ)” (r = 0.82). Data obtained from the instrument were analysed using frequency count, simple percentage, mean and standard deviation

Findings reveal that the use of chemistry practicals is an effective method in improving students’ performance in chemistry in secondary schools. Poor funding, lack of infrastructure in the classroom and particularly laboratory, lack of qualified teachers and practical tutors within schools, lack of interest in the course on the students’ part, lack of practical equipment are some problems encountered by students in the learning of chemistry practicals. Nature, quality and frequency of chemistry practicals in teaching and learning of chemistry boosts learner performance in chemistry. Use of chemistry practicals enhances students‟ knowledge and understanding in a better way compared to none use of the chemistry practicals. It is seen that there is still some poor nature of chemistry practicals amongst secondary schools. It is recommended that more practical work should be used when teaching and learning school chemistry in Nigerian public secondary schools. This requires that chemistry teachers undergo intensive in-service training in practical work management and latest research to improve their practices and government should aid in supporting schools with funds to make available necessary materials needed for chemistry practicals.