THE IMPACT OF TEACHING EXPERIENCE OF CHEMISTRY TEACHERS

ABSTRACT

This study investigates The impact of teaching experience on the teaching and learning process of Chemistry in secondary schools in Edo State. The population of the study consists of 100 chemistry teachers from different secondary schools in Edo state. A well-structured questionnaire, employing a 4-point Likert scale, was used to collect data on their beliefs and practices. The research aims to find out the effect of the use of Discussion method in the teaching of Chemistry, The effect of teacher's years of experience on Student's Academic performance, ,the effect of teacher's years of experience on classroom delivery. We explored how experienced chemistry teachers differ from their less experienced counterparts in terms of instructional strategies, classroom management, and student engagement. Our findings indicate that experienced teachers exhibit a deeper understanding of pedagogical content knowledge, employ more student-centered approaches, and foster a more inclusive and interactive learning environment. Additionally, students taught by experienced teachers demonstrate improved conceptual understanding and attitudes towards chemistry. This research highlights the importance of teaching experience in enhancing the teaching and learning process of chemistry in secondary schools, underscoring the need for ongoing professional development and support for chemistry educators. Recommendations are provided for teacher training and professional development programs to better prepare Chemistry teachers to enhance their teaching effectiveness, such as, in-service training, Teaching internships, professional association and mentorships, graduate programs in education and workshops and Conferences. By addressing this gap, the study aims to support the development of more innovative and effective chemistry teaching practices in secondary schools in Edo state.