A STUDY OF THE COMMON DIFFICULTIES EXPERIENCED BY CHEMISTRY STUDENTS
1.1 FORMAL INTRODUCTION
Any country’s technological advancement is determined by its scientific background. To be more specific, chemistry teaching practical has encountered numerous challenges. More attempts have been made to solve these problems. As a result, Nigerian students studying chemistry should be taught what chemistry is (STAN, 1970). They must learn scientific skills such as observing, reporting, organizing information, generalizing, predicting or speculating, and designing experiments to test hypotheses.
The following are the teaching strategies used in carrying out chemistry practicals prescribed for developing these skills in the laboratory rooms:
a. Participation of students in open-ended field or laboratory work.
b. The incorporation of problem-solving activities
c. When appropriate, the use of discovery teaching tactics.
On the contrary, the lack of basic laboratory infrastructures and technical personnel involved in the practical teaching of chemistry has manned this methods. As a result, the goals of teaching and learning practical and experimental exercises aimed at improving the scientific foundation for technological advancement have not been met.
Several difficulties encountered serve as an impediment not only to chemistry practical but also to secondary school chemistry teaching. Some of the difficulties encountered will be listed later in this study.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Chemistry is a science subject taught in the majority of secondary schools in Edo State’s Uhunmwonde Local Government Area. Almost all science students in these schools offer chemistry (particularly the practical) because of its critical role as one of the fundamental science subjects relevant to science careers.
Despite students’ enthusiasm and reactions to chemistry practicals, they perform poorly in chemistry in their final exams as a result of how their chemistry teacher taught them. What are the issues with teaching chemistry practical in schools, one might wonder?
Could it be due to a lack of laboratories in schools, a lack of laboratory attendance, a lack of qualified personnel, or teachers’ inability to use laboratory equipment in the classroom? Most people are concerned about this. And it is at the heart of this project.
1.3 THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
The goal of this study is to look into the difficulties that students face in chemistry practical in secondary schools in Edo State’s Uhunmwonde Local Government Area. Also, suggest ways to improve the teaching of chemistry practicals.
1.4 THE IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY
Science is now taught in schools across the country. As a result, the new educational system (6-3-3-4 system of education) places a strong emphasis on science. As a result, at the conclusion of this study, teacher trainers should be able to provide chemistry teachers with a suitable solution to problems as well as ideas for practical chemistry teaching in secondary schools.
Because of its scientific, social, economic, and technological value, this study will be of great importance to society and the nation at large, particularly to students, whose reasoning faculty and creative skills can be improved through effective teaching methods.
1.5 THE HYPOTHESIS
1. There is a scarcity of qualified teachers in the teaching profession.
2. School laboratories are inadequately equipped.
3. On the timetable, chemistry receives insufficient attention.
4. There is overcrowding/overpopulation in classrooms.
1.6 THE DEFINITION OF TERMS
A laboratory is a place where experiments are conducted.
Insufficient laboratories: Insufficient laboratories
A poorly equipped laboratory is one that lacks the necessary equipment to conduct the necessary experiments for effective and efficient learning.
A well-equipped laboratory is one that has all of the equipment needed for experimental or practical learning.
Profession: A career that necessitates advanced education and special training.
West African School Certificate Examination and Senior School Certificate Examination are the final exams (SSCE).
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