Laboratory Teaching: Implication on Students’ Achievement In Chemistry In Secondary Schools In Ebonyi State of Nigeria

Abstract

This study aimed at investigation of the roles of the laboratory in students’ academic achievement in chemistry in secondary schools in Ebonyi State of Nigeria. Four research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. A sample of 240 students selected through simple random sampling technique from ten secondary schools in the 3 Education Zones in Ebonyi State was used for the study. A questionnaire instrument developed by the researcher was used for data collection. The instrument was validated by three experts one from measurement and evaluation and the other 2 from chemistry education. The data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation statistics. t-test was used in testing the hypotheses. The results showed that the use of the laboratory helps to: develop scientific attitudes in the students towards the learning of chemistry especially practicals, develop scientific skills for problem solving in students among others. Based on the findings, the following recommendations were made: chemistry should be taught in the laboratory, government should build and equip the science laboratories, employ more qualified chemistry teachers in the secondary system.

Key words: Laboratory, chemistry, teaching, achievement, students.