STUDENTS VIEWS ON THE AVAILABILITY OF CHEMISTRY LABORATORY FACILITIES

ABSTRACT

This study was designed to survey the students views on the availability of chemistry laboratory facilities for effective teaching of chemistry in selected secondary schools in Benin. Three research questions were raised to help guide this study.

Data were collected through questionnaires that were randomly distributed to three (3) schools in the Benin (one Federal, one State and one Private). The techniques used for analysis were the simple frequency, and mean based on a four point Likert scale. The population of the study was Sixty (60) students. Three (3) schools were randomly selected in Benin, Edo State. To ascertain the reliability of the instrument, pilot testing was carried out on twenty (20) Secondary students from a senior secondary school. The findings of this study show that the schools were equipped with several chemistry laboratory facilities for teaching and learning purpose. The proper use of Chemistry laboratory facilities helps students to understand more about lesson contents, motivates students, and the utilization of Chemistry laboratory equipment increases the chances of learners’ concentration and acquisition of practical skills. Based on the finding of this research, it has shown that the use of Chemistry laboratory facilities is directly linked to student’s academic performance. When students are exposed to the use of these facilities, they tend to perform better than they would have done without these facilities.