Impediments to Effective Teaching and Learning of Chemistry Practicals in Secondary Schools in Zaria Local Government Area, Kaduna State

Abstract

This study aims to examine the barriers to effective teaching and learning of Chemistry practical in secondary schools within the Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. The study intends to identify and analyze problems related to teachers, students, and schools to determine the extent to which they impede the success of students at the mid-level educational stage in the country. The study population consisted of teachers and students from public schools in the Zaria Local Government Area. A total of 120 respondents were selected for the sample, comprising 60 science teachers and 60 science students specializing in Chemistry. The study sought to answer three research questions: (1) what are the problems related to teachers that affect the teaching and learning of practical Chemistry in secondary schools in Zaria Local Government Area, Kaduna State? (2) What are the problems related to students that affect the teaching and learning of practical Chemistry in secondary schools in Zaria Local Government Area, Kaduna State? (3) What are the school-related problems that affect the teaching and learning of practical Chemistry in secondary schools in Zaria Local Government Area, Kaduna State? A structured questionnaire was used as the research instrument, and the data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, specifically mean deviation. The mean of the scaling point was computed as 4+3+2+1 = 10/4 = 2.50. Therefore, the decision rule was established as follows: Mean > 2.50 = Accepted; Mean < 2.50 = Rejected. The findings of the study revealed that the major setbacks to effective teaching and learning of Chemistry practical were school-related problems, such as the absence of Chemistry laboratories in schools and non-payment of teachers' salaries. Additionally, teachers' inadequate understanding of Chemistry practical and students' inability to think scientifically were identified as significant obstacles to achieving expected results in the studied secondary schools. Based on the study's findings, it is recommended, among other things, that parents, teachers, and school authorities collaborate to create a conducive learning environment for secondary school students to effectively learn and practice Chemistry practical. This can be accomplished through the provision of adequate reading materials, proper guidance in the subject, and the establishment of well-equipped laboratories in schools that are easily accessible to the learners.