Critical Evaluation Of The Relevance Of Scientific Laboratory Experiments On Students Academic Performance In Chemistry
(Case study of some selected senior secondary schools in Mbaise, Imo State)
The significance of scientific laboratory experiments in shaping students’ academic performance in chemistry cannot be overstated. These hands-on activities offer invaluable opportunities for students to engage directly with chemical concepts, fostering a deeper understanding of theoretical principles and enhancing their analytical skills. By immersing themselves in practical experimentation, students not only grasp abstract theories more concretely but also develop critical thinking abilities essential for problem-solving in the field. Moreover, laboratory work cultivates essential practical skills, such as accurate observation, precise measurement, and data analysis, which are indispensable for success in chemistry and related disciplines. Furthermore, these experiential learning experiences stimulate curiosity and enthusiasm for the subject, motivating students to explore further and pursue advanced studies or careers in chemistry. Thus, scientific laboratory experiments serve as a dynamic educational tool, enriching students’ academic journey and preparing them for future challenges in the realm of chemistry.
This study was carried out to examine the relevance of science laboratory experiments on students academic performance using some selected senior secondary schools in Mbaise, Imo State as a case study. Specifically the study was carried out to identify the benefits of chemistry laboratory experiments to senior secondary students, ascertain whether laboratory experiments facilitates the easy comprehension of chemistry theories, find out the factors affecting chemistry laboratory experiments in among students, and ascertain the difference in the performance of students that are exposed to chemistry laboratory experiments and those that are not. The survey design was adopted and the simple random sampling techniques were employed in this study. The population size comprise of chemistry teachers and students of some selected senior secondary schools in Mbaise, Imo State. In determining the sample size, the researcher conveniently selected 200 respondents and 150 were validated. Self-constructed and validated questionnaire was used for data collection. The collected and validated questionnaires were analyzed using frequency tables and mean scores. While the hypotheses were tested using Pearson correlation statistical tool, SPSS v23. The result of the findings reveals that Chemistry laboratory experiments benefits senior secondary students as it allows students to explore chemical concepts, it allows students to acquire scientific skills in an atmosphere that mimics a professional scientific environment, it makes students to develop scientific skills for problem solving, and develops scientific attitudes in the students towards the learning of chemistry especially practicals. Furthermore, the result of the findings reveals that there is significant difference in the performance of students that are exposed to chemistry laboratory experiments and those that are not. Therefore, it is recommended all the topics in chemistry which are practically oriented should be taught in the laboratory, using all the necessary equipment and reagents. By using the chemicals/reagents, the students would acquire the skills involved in handling dangerous substances. To mention but a few
Abstract
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Objective of the Study
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Research Hypothesis
1.6 Significance of the Study
1.7 Scope of the Study
1.8 Limitation of the Study
1.9 Definition of Terms
1.10 Organization of the Study
Chapter Two: Review of Literature
2.1 Conceptual Framework
2.2 Theoretical Framework
2.3 Empirical Review
Chapter Three: Research Methodology
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Population of the Study
3.3 Sample Size Determination
3.4 Sample Size Selection Technique and Procedure
3.5 Research Instrument and Administration
3.6 Method of Data Collection
3.7 Method of Data Analysis
3.8 Validity of the Study
3.9 Reliability of the Study
3.10 Ethical Consideration
Chapter Four: Data Presentation and Analysis
4.1 Data Presentation
4.2 Analysis of Data
4.3 Answering Research Questions
4.4 Test of Hypotheses
Chapter Five: Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation
5.1 Summary
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendation
References
APPENDIX
QUESTIONNAIRE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background To The Study
The lab is the central focus for all scientific endeavors. It is provided primarily with instruments that promote successful teaching and learning of science. Science is experimental in nature, and the laboratory contributes to the improvement of scientific understanding via the process of science (inspecting, categorizing, quantifying, and engaging with things and events of scientific interest). Abdullahi (1982), underlines that science is not science unless it is supported with laboratory activities, i.e., putting concepts into practicals. The laboratory offers a perfect venue for developing skills, discovery learning, inquiry, and problem-solving activities. Laboratory work involves a spectrum of activities, from actual experimental study to validation exercises and skill building. Since science is experimental in nature, every course in science should mirror this by including laboratory practice. This is because students learn science in the laboratory via exact measurement, accurate observation, and clear communication(Muhammad, 2010).
Laboratory work is an established aspect of chemistry at all school levels. The fundamental motivations for its inception lie in the requirement to generate trained technicians for the industry and highly qualified personnel for research labs (Morrell, 1972). There is a need to prepare students realistically in the laboratory as well as establish some follow-up activities.
These may enrich and improve the complete laboratory experience and allow it to contribute more effectively to the overall learning of students in chemistry. It would be difficult to find any scientific course at any institution of education without a considerable component of laboratory activities. However, it is taken for granted that experimental activity is a key aspect of every scientific education, and this is particularly true for chemistry courses. Regularly, it is said that chemistry is a practical discipline. Thus, the development of experimental abilities among the learners is frequently offered as a basis.
One of the key reasons for challenging the use of labs in scientific instruction is that laboratory programmes are highly expensive in terms of facilities and material resources, but also, more crucially, in terms of staff time (Carnduff & Reid, 2003). Experimental works are used to characterize the practical tasks which students do utilizing chemicals and equipment in a chemistry lab. The term “practical” might incorporate additional experimental tasks undertaken in the laboratory by students. Laboratory classrooms are where science students develop and practice essential manipulation and process skills while learning to transition ideas from the abstract into a physical context (Brien & Cameron, 2008).
In other words, the chemistry laboratory provides students a chance to handle equipment and chemicals, to learn about safety protocols, to master specialized methods, to measure properly and to observe attentively. However, making chemistry tangible and subjecting ideas to actual testing is of significant value. Skills of observation, deduction, and interpretation are also highly significant. In addition, there are many other crucial practical skills to be cultivated, such as collaboration, reporting, presenting, and devising strategies to handle practical issues. Upon this backdrop, this research aims to analyze the importance of chemistry laboratory activities on students’ academic performance.
1.2 Statement Of The Problem
The performance of students in chemistry among secondary schools in Borno state fluctuate. This academic discrepancy has been attributed to inadequate laboratory practical. However, there are so many issues that restrict the successful use of laboratory activities in teaching chemistry in the state, such as teachers’ workload, a lack of apparatus and resources, a shortage of incentives, a lack of lab assistants, time consumption, and a lack of exposure of learners to lab activities that have a direct influence on their performance. 40 percent of the overall score, and students can scarcely execute these practicals because they lack the grounding and ability to conduct such practicals, which impacts their performance.
Furthermore, chemistry teachers may not always find it easy to make laboratory activity the focal point of their teaching, since many teachers’ working conditions do not inspire passion for utilizing the laboratory method of teaching chemistry, even when resources and equipment are accessible. The workload and class size may be discouraging (Ministry of Education, Kaduna State, 2014).
1.3 Objectives Of The Study
The main aim of this study is to evaluate the relevance of science laboratory experiments on students academic performance. The specific objectives of the study is therefore identified blow;
- Identify what are the benefits of chemistry laboratory experiments to senior secondary students.
- Ascertain whether laboratory experiments facilitates the easy comprehension of chemistry theories.
- Find out the factors affecting chemistry laboratory experiments in among students.
- Ascertain the difference in the performance of students that are exposed to chemistry laboratory experiments and those that are not.
1.4 Research Questions
The study will be guided by the questions outlined below;
- How does chemistry laboratory experiments benefits senior secondary students?
- Does laboratory experiments facilitate easy comprehension of chemistry theories?
- What are the factors affecting chemistry laboratory experiments in among students?
- Is there any difference in the performance of students that are exposed to chemistry laboratory experiments and those that are not?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
Ho: There is no significant relationship between laboratory experiments and Chemistry students academic performance.
Ha: There is a significant relationship between laboratory experiments and Chemistry students academic performance.
1.6 Significance Of The Study
The findings in this study will be significant to all science educators and students, because it would help to remind them of the role accorded to practical work in science. It would also remind school administrators/teachers of the need to adhere to WAEC/NECO recommendations in their syllabi, by equipping students practically before their final exams. It would also show the effect of laboratory exercises on students performances in chemistry. A well designed science laboratory if prudently used would enable students to learn the product of science, posses skills of the scientists and develop scientific attitudes, hence this can enhance their performance.
1.7 Scope Of The Study
The study evaluates the relevance of science laboratory experiments on students academic performance. However, the study boarders to the identification of the benefits of chemistry laboratory experiments to senior secondary students, ascertaining whether laboratory experiments facilitates the easy comprehension of chemistry theories, finding out the factors affecting chemistry laboratory experiments in among students, and ascertaining the difference in the performance of students that are exposed to chemistry laboratory experiments and those that are not.
The study will be carried out in some selected senior secondary schools in Mbaise, Imo State.
1.8 Limitation Of The Study
Like in every human endeavour, the researcher encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection, which is why the researcher resorted to a limited choice of sample size. More so, the researcher simultaneously engaged in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.
1.9 Definition Of Terms
Laboratory: It is a place providing opportunities for experimentation observation or practice in a field of study.
Science equipment: In this context, it refers to all the necessary materials and supplies required for teaching and learning of biology in the secondary schools.
Experimentation: The process through which an operation is carried out under controlled condition in order to discover an unknown effect of law, to test or establish a hypothesis or to illustrate a know law.
Inquiry: the searching for scientific information.
Observation: A systematic careful study of events based on measurement.
1.10 Organization Of The Study
This research work is organized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as follows. Chapter one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the (overview, of the study), historical background, statement of problem, objectives of the study, research hypotheses, significance of the study, scope and limitation of the study, definition of terms and historical background of the study. Chapter two highlights the theoretical framework on which the study is based, thus the review of related literature. Chapter three deals on the research design and methodology adopted in the study. Chapter four concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding. Chapter five gives summary, conclusion, and recommendations made of the study.
Relevance Of Scientific Laboratory Experiments On Students Academic Performance In Chemistry:
Scientific laboratory experiments play a crucial role in students’ academic performance in chemistry. Here are several ways in which laboratory experiments contribute to students’ learning and academic success:
- Hands-on Learning:
- Laboratory experiments provide students with a hands-on experience, allowing them to directly observe and manipulate chemical substances. This hands-on approach enhances their understanding of theoretical concepts learned in the classroom.
- Application of Theoretical Knowledge:
- Laboratories offer students the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. This application helps reinforce classroom learning and demonstrates the real-world relevance of scientific principles.
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving:
- Through laboratory work, students learn to think critically and solve problems independently. They must analyze data, draw conclusions, and troubleshoot issues that may arise during experiments, fostering critical thinking skills.
- Understanding Experimental Procedures:
- Students gain a deeper understanding of experimental procedures, including proper measurement techniques, equipment usage, and safety protocols. This knowledge is valuable not only for academic success but also for future careers in science.
- Conceptual Understanding:
- Laboratory experiments provide a three-dimensional perspective on chemical concepts. Visualizing and manipulating substances help students grasp abstract concepts, making it easier to understand complex theories.
- Retention of Knowledge:
- The hands-on nature of laboratory work often leads to better retention of information. Students are more likely to remember concepts and principles when they have actively engaged with the material in a laboratory setting.
- Interest and Motivation:
- Laboratory experiments can spark interest and motivation in students by making the subject more engaging and enjoyable. This positive experience can lead to increased enthusiasm for learning and better academic performance.
- Skill Development:
- Laboratory work helps students develop practical skills such as observation, measurement, data analysis, and the use of laboratory instruments. These skills are not only beneficial for academic success but are also valuable in various scientific and technical careers.
- Preparation for Further Studies and Careers:
- For students pursuing further studies or careers in science, laboratory experiences are essential preparation. They provide a foundation for advanced coursework and research, helping students transition smoothly into higher education or professional settings.
- Collaborative Learning:
- Laboratory experiments often involve collaboration among students. Working in teams fosters communication and teamwork skills, which are valuable in both academic and professional environments.
In summary, scientific laboratory experiments significantly contribute to students’ academic performance in chemistry by providing a practical, hands-on approach to learning, reinforcing theoretical knowledge, and developing critical skills essential for success in the field