Influence of Teaching Resources in Chemistry Practicals on Performance in Chemistry Subject

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue II, February 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186

Influence of Teaching Resources in Chemistry Practicals on Performance in Chemistry Subject

Ronoh Obadiah Cheruiyot^1*, Peter Waswa Nyongesa², Lusweti Kituyi^3
1,2 Department of Center for Teacher Education, University of Eldoret, Kenya
³ Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Eldoret, Kenya
Corresponding author*

Abstract: Background: Experimental practices in Chemistry are vital as an instructional method for better understanding of concepts. The study was done to determine the influence of teaching resources in chemistry practicals on performance in chemistry subject. The objective of the study was to ascertain definitely how teaching resources in chemistry practicals influenced performance in the entire subject. Methodology: A survey design was adopted where a sample size of three hundred and seventy seven respondents were selected in a random manner from teachers who instructed chemistry and a cohort of students in the third year from secondary schools sponsored by the Kenyan government in Narok County. The instruments for data collection were questionnaire, interview and observation schedule. The data obtained were analyzed statistically using SPSS software and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results: The findings indicated that majority of laboratories were not equipped with apparatus and reagents for conducting practical. Time allocation was somehow sufficient for handling practicals but inadequate for individualized activities. Teaching resources contributed significantly to performance in chemistry subject (P<0.05). Conclusion/Recommendation: Majority of laboratories were not well equipped with apparatus and reagents. Time was inadequate for individualized practices. The government should provide adequate funding of science laboratories to enhance practical instruction in secondary schools

Keywords: Teaching, Resources, Practical, Performance

I. INTRODUCTION

Chemistry includes activities that are hands-on and mainly performed by the students. A research facility may be a school building equipped with offices, materials and device which students’ utilize, to carry out investigations (Achimugu, 2012). Agreeing to Odum, (2013), Chemistry viable exercises are usually done in a research facility by utilizing pieces of device and chemical reagents.
Practicals contribute to poor performance in sciences when students lack exposure (KNEC, 2009). From research it was realised that few students truly felt they would have performed way better in case they had been instructed periodically in practicals on time. It is contended that students tend to get it and review what they see more than what they listen to as a result of utilizing research facilities to learn sciences, but most schools need research facilities which are functional (Edomwonyi-Otu, 2011).

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