Methods of Teaching and Students Academic Performance in Chemistry
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
In Nigeria, a functional chemistry curriculum is specifically designed and adopted, which should be taught to meet the needs of the students. The research researchers have maintained that, studies on methods of teaching are not something new in educational sector. Pasearela and Trenzini (2005) have written a compendium of research studies conducted in this area for the past decades. Even before that, Feldman and Newcomb (1973) mentioned, decades of similar research studies in the area of method of teaching strategies and learning theories. Svinicvki (2009) suggested that, teaching methods conducted in the past years are overwhelming and it could be impossible to go over its details. For many years, the researchers have carried out research on what could be a better method of teaching, which will enhance a good academic performance of students in chemistry, as well as other science subjects. Since chemistry as a subject in senior secondary school is the, ultimate science of logical reasoning which involves, study methods for drawing conclusion and inferences in chemistry practicals and assumed precision.
The teacher role as a facilitator, is to ensure that the right method is used in teaching this subject efficiently and more effectively because they hold the key to the success of educational objectives and also accountable for human development. The primary purpose of teaching at any level of education, is to bring about a positive change in the learners. Tebabal and Kalissary (2001) noted that, to facilitate the process of knowledge transmission, teachers should apply appropriate methods of teaching that best suit specific objectives and level to achieve desirable outcome. Many years ago, teachers normally applied a lecture methods of teaching which is teacher centered and informative approach to teaching. Since education is dynamic and the vast innovations of technology, students of chemistry should be properly guided with safety rules and precautions on the use of apparatus and equipments in laboratory to enhance effective learning.
In our society today, most chemicals used in making drugs, herbicides, acids and also insecticide are all relevant in studying chemistry, unfortunately the chemistry learning experiences in secondary schools is not appropriate and is consistent with the demands of the society. Peter (2006) maintained that chemistry is a popular subject among secondary schools students due its nature. It addresses the needs of majority through its relevance, functionality in content, practice and application.
Methods of Teaching and Students Academic Performance in Chemistry
Ukpai and Okoro (2005) maintained that, teaching is one of the most challenging and crucial profession in the world. The scope which chemistry has in advancing life of the citizens, particularly a country such as Nigeria, which is fast developing in the field of science and technology, depends mainly upon the awareness created on the importance of chemistry to country’s economy as opined by Bernaldette (2002) that no nation has ever hoped to be self-reliance and build a dynamic and virile economy when they are in sickness ignorance, superstition and poverty, the teaching and learning of chemistry as a science subject involves an array of interventional process at the centre of which are the professional teachers. However, if the teacher does not have enough of these skills, knowledge, abilities etc. then it will be to the disadvantage of the students, this is because nobody can give what he does not have. Educationists and educational psychologists have made ernest effort at developing psychological rationale essential for answering the question, however science such as chemistry should be taught to ensure effective and meaningful learning.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Many methods of teaching exist in education. All the strategies are meant to make teachers succeed in their bid to disseminate knowledge. However, little is considered on such factors that are necessary before selecting appropriate method.
Given high value placed by the government for the need of teaching chemistry effectively through an effective method is indispensable. The teacher’s inability to use appropriate method of teaching has resulted in many failure that have been recorded by students of chemistry in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area in both internal and external examinations. This problem has continued in many years, despite huge effort of the government, both at the national, state and local government level. The parents, students and education administrators have worries over the ugly phenomenon, based on the foreign issue the study was conducted to examine the influence of methods of teaching on students academic performance in chemistry in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.
1.3 Purpose of the Study
This study investigated the influence of methods of teaching on students academic performance in chemistry in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.
Specifically, the study sought to:
- Compare the academic performance of students in chemistry when taught with guided discovery methods and lecture method.
- Compare the academic performance of students in chemistry when taught with concept mapping and lecture method.
1.4 Research Hypotheses
The following hypotheses were formulated to guide the study:
- There is no significant difference in chemistry students academic performance when taught with guided discovery method and lecture method.
- There is no significant difference in chemistry student academic performance when taught with concept mapping method and lecture method of teaching.
1.5 Significance of the Study
The study will importance to the following people:
- It will help the teachers and practicing teachers in the acquisition of adequate knowledge about modern teaching method used.
- It will help the teachers to identify the strategy and methods of teaching suitable for specific topics and concept when applying them.
- It will serve as a source of reference materials to those who will undertake study of this nature in the years ahead.
- It will also be helpful to government policy makers and students, since it is believed that the investigation will throw more light on the quality of teachers in secondary schools and the cost of poor performance in our secondary schools.