THE PROFICIENCY OF CHEMISTRY STUDENTS IN SOME SELECTED CONCEPTS IN SS2 CHEMISTRY CURRICULUM IN OVIA NORTH EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to investigate the Proficiency of Chemistry Students in Some Selected concepts in SS2 Chemistry Curriculum in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State. The study looked into the following objectives: The extent of student’s knowledge in some selected concepts in chemistry, their mastery in science process skills and attitude toward the selected concepts in SS2 chemistry curriculum in senior secondary school in Ovia North East Local Government Area, Benin city, Edo state.

The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The instrument used for data collection was self-developed questionnaire. It was validated by three experts. Three research questions were formulated, the population of the study was 60 students of SS2 and SS3 sample of the study was drawn out from the total population of 600 which make a total sample of the study under a reliability test using Pearson Product moment correlation, to have 0.78 coefficient. Based on the findings, it was recommended that effective teaching methods should be engage in teaching science in both public and private secondary schools in order to bring about students’ proficiency. Secondary school’s teachers should familiarize her students with the use of the science process skills since it increases students’ level of competence in understanding phenomena, ideas, develop theories, discover information, and also accelerate academic achievement in science learning since science students naturally perceived science to be too hard. A proper orientation should be given in order to help their attitude and interest since it plays substantial role in their decision to study science. Government and other stakeholders in education should attempt to improve the learning environment of students in the area of good laboratory facilities, class arrangement, guidance and counselling.