TEACHERS’ AND STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF FACTORS INFLUENCING TEACHING AND LEARNING OF CHEMISTRY IN SENIOR SCHOOLS IN MINNA, NIGERIA

Abstract

The present study sought to investigate the perceptions of teachers and students on the factors influencing teaching and learning of chemistry in senior secondary schools in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria. The perceptions of private and public school students and teachers on these factors was critically examined. The study adapted a mixed research (a structured questionnaire for the students and interview items for the teachers). A total of one hundred and fifty six respondents, one hundred and forty four students randomly selected from each of the twelve public schools. Twelve teachers were purposively selected for this study, one from each of the twelve public schools. The quantitative data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Specifically, frequency and percentages was used to answer research question 1 and 2. The hypotheses was tested using Chi-Square at 0.05 significant levels. Tables were used to answer research question 3 and 4 for qualitative data collected. The result showed that there was a significant difference in the perceptions of male and female students on factors influencing chemistry learning in secondary schools as the chi-square calculated value (171.87) greater than chi-square table value (7.81), There was no difference in public school teachers’ perceptions on the factor influencing the teaching of chemistry in secondary schools as interview responses revealed. However, some suggestions were offered on how to improve on the factors highlighted to make the teaching and learning of chemistry more effective and interesting.