THE EFFECT OF LABORATORY IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS ON STUDENTS PERFORMANCE IN SCIENCE SUBJECTS
CHAPTER ONE
Introduction
1.1 Background to the Study
Science had been of great importance worldwide for suitable and socio-economic development as well as for technological advancement of the nations. Knowledge of science education is therefore required in all countries globally due to the numerous challenges that are facing them.
The emphasis on teaching and learning of science is on ensuring that teachers not only teach the process of science but also are able to subject scientific concepts to the sensory experience of the learners. By this, the ‘hands’ and ‘minds’ of learners must be on scientific activities such that learners will be able to learn actively and thereby participate in knowledge construction. In essence, the focus is on activity based science lesson which entails both best classroom and laboratory practices.
This direction of teaching and learning of science subjects in schools is viewed to lead students to acquiring the required science process skills, life skills and competence as enshrined in the revised edition of (National Policy on Education (NPE) (FRN, 2013) National core curricular for Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics etc. However, the efforts of teaching in achieving the goals of NPE 2013, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGS), EFA, Science Education for all, NEEDS, Vision 20:2020 faces great challenges. The challenges facing science teaching and learning includes the use of teacher-centred approaches to teaching, lack of adequate and relevant instructional materials, inadequate classroom and laboratories and laboratory equipment etc.
Laboratory is at the centre of scientific studies and/or sciencing so long as science remains both a product and process. The availability of laboratory equipment, facilities and materials play a vital role in determining the extent of best laboratory practices that will ensure acquisition of science process skills and competence in science concepts by the learners. According to Abimbola (2001) one major aspect of Science education that is of great concern is in the area of availability and effectiveness of use of specialized and relevant science equipment, facilities and instructional materials. The school laboratories that are well designed, stocked and safe for teaching and learning of science ensure active practical exercises (Katcha, 2005).
Science laboratory equipment allows students to interact directly with the data gathered. It is also found that school science laboratory equipment and supplies make teaching and learning easy both for the teachers, as well as for the students. There are several scientific theories and concepts that are difficult to explain directly from the books. Anatomy models, physics science kits, and chemistry science kits for instance make it easy to understand the otherwise complex theories of science. There are different scales which assess classroom environment. Each scale has been classified according to Moos’s (1974) scheme for classifying human environments. The dimensions of human environments include relationships, personal development, and system maintenance/change (Moos, 1987). Fraser (1998) later refined Moos’s (1974) work to make it more appropriate, initially to describe classroom learning environments and then science learning environments.
Laboratory teaching assumes that first-hand experience in observation and manipulation of the materials of science is superior to other methods of developing understanding and appreciation. Laboratory training is also frequently used to develop skills necessary for more advanced study or research. One major difference between elementary and middle or high schools are the nature of the classroom. Most elementary school classes are “self-contained,” and a single teacher is responsible for teaching all or most of the academic subjects to a single group of students. Thus, science is usually taught in the regular classroom, as opposed to specialized science laboratories, as is usually the case in middle and high schools; however, it is not unheard of for elementary schools to have separate laboratory facilities for science (Beihle, Motz, & West, 1999; Fehlig, 1996; Fox, 1994; Harbeck, 1985; Vorsino, 1992). Forty percent of schools nationwide reported that their facilities could not meet the functional requirements of laboratory science. More recent data from the 2000 National Survey of Science and Mathematics Education suggests that along with lack of content preparation, inadequate facilities and equipment and lack of money to purchase consumable supplies are barriers to the effective and equitable teaching of science (Weiss et al., 2002).
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The dwindling students’ performance in science especially has been a source of concern to all stakeholders − the parents, teachers, students, science education researchers, government and the general public. Despite the efforts by science educators the performance of many students in science is still at abysmal level. In essence there are still gaps in the efforts and results available.
This situation is easily attributed to factors of laboratory equipment supplied, gender factors and attitudes of students to science teaching and learning among others. With laboratory equipment, the modern trend emphasizes laboratory practical’s as an integral part of classroom instruction in science with pre-and-post laboratory discussion if students have to learn Science as a process and product, and achieve to expectations of all the stakeholders and meet the demands of the vision 20:2020, NEEDS, EFA, and MDGS etc. As a result of conflicting research reports and its inadequacy, there is need to provide data on gender related differences in students’ achievement.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objectives of this study is to find out the effect of laboratory in secondary schools on student s academic performance in science subjects, specifically the study intends to;
- Find out the availability of laboratory facilities in secondary schools.
- Find out the level in which secondary schools use laboratory in secondary school
- Examine the effect of laboratory on student’s performance in science subject
- Find out science teachers’ perceptions on effects of availability or non-availability of laboratories on students’ performance
1.4 Research Questions
- Is there availability of laboratory facilities in secondary schools?
- What is the level in which secondary schools use laboratory in secondary school?
- Is there any significant effect of laboratory on student’s performance in science subject?
- What is the perceptions of science teacher’s on effects of availability or non-availability of laboratories on students’ performance?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
Ho: there is no significant effect of laboratory on student’s performance in science subject
Hi: there is significant effect of laboratory on student’s performance in science subject
1.6 Significance of the Study
Finding of this study are expected to be useful since science teaching and learning is essential for success of any nation, as there is a direct relationship between achievement in science and technology on one hand and economic growth of any given country on the other.
Findings of these study will also benefit education stakeholders in planning and budgeting so as to provide enough funds to support science subjects in schools, building laboratories, train more science teachers, purchase adequate teaching and learning resources including books, teaching model, laboratory equipment, apparatus and chemicals. Furthermore, findings will hopefully influence further research on how use of laboratories may promote learning of science for development of the nation.
1.7 Scope of the Study
This research work will be conducted in Lagos state, teachers and students in two private school and two public schools in Alimosho LGA will be sampled for this research.
1.8 Delimitation of the Study
Finance for the general research work will be a challenge during the course of study. Correspondents also might not be able to complete or willing to submit the questionnaires given to them.
However, it is believed that these constraints will be worked on by making the best use of the available materials and spending more than the necessary time in the research work. Therefore, it is strongly believed that despite these constraint, its effect on this research report will be minimal, thus, making the objective and significance of the study achievable.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Effect:
Cause (something) to happen; bring about an action or a change which is a result or consequence of an action or other cause.
Laboratory:
A room or building equipped for scientific experiments, research, or teaching, or for the manufacture of drugs or chemicals.
Science:
The intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behaviour of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment.
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Literature Review
2.1 Introduction
The review of relevant literature is the main topic of this chapter. A literature review covers theoretical and methodological contributions to a certain issue in addition to the state of knowledge at the time of writing. It provides information about the state of the art in relation to the subject you are writing about. It examines the body of work on the chosen subject. The literature evaluation in this study comprises the …
Procedure for Downloading the PDF (Docx) Material
The Effect of Laboratory in Secondary Schools on Students Performance in Science Subjects can be downloaded by requesting the full set of materials at the project or seminar cost. The document will be sent via Microsoft Word (MS-Word) format via WhatsApp (e-mail) following payment confirmation.
| Seminar Material Cost ₦3,000 | Project Material Cost ₦5,000 |
Request Complete Material
 | Click here to request the Complete Material via WhatsApp including;
|
TABLE OF CONTENTSPRELIMINARY PAGES
- Title page
- Approval page
- Dedication
- Acknowledgement
- Table of Contents
- Abstract
INTRODUCTION
- 1.1 Background …
- ⋮
LITERATURE REVIEW
- 2.1 Introduction
- 2.2 Conceptual Review
- 2.3 Theoretical Framework
- ⋮
- 2.4 Empirical Studies
- 2.5 Research Gaps
- 2.6 Summary of Literature Review
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
- 3.1 Introduction
- 3.2 Research Design
- 3.3 Population of Study
- 3.4 Sampling and Sampling Technique
- 3.5 Validation of Research Instrument
- 3.6 Method of Data Collection
- 3.7 Method of Data Analysis
- 3.8 Questionnaire Administration
- 3.9 Ethical Consideration
- 3.10 Statistical Analysis
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA ANALYSIS, RESULT AND DISCUSSION
- 4.1 Introduction
- 4.2 Presentation and Analysis of Data
- 4.3 Re-statement of Research Questions
- 4.4 Test of Hypotheses
- 4.5 Discussion of Findings
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
- 5.1 Introduction
- 5.2 Summary of Findings
- 5.3 Conclusion
- 5.4 Recommendation
- 5.5 Suggestion for Further Study
REFERENCES
APPENDIX A - “QUESTIONNAIRE”
Disclaimer for Complete Material Utilization
The displayed research work titled "The Effect of Laboratory in Secondary Schools on Students Performance in Science Subjects" is stated as a research guideline towards accomplishing your assigned project / seminar research work. All the research materials on this website are ONLY for research purposes and should be used as a guideline in developing your research work. For no reason should you copy word for word as projectlist.com.ng will not be liable for any who copied the material. By ordering the complete research guideline, it signifies that you've accepted our terms of service.
PRELIMINARY PAGES
- Title page
- Approval page
- Dedication
- Acknowledgement
- Table of Contents
- Abstract
INTRODUCTION
- 1.1 Background …
- ⋮
LITERATURE REVIEW
- 2.1 Introduction
- 2.2 Conceptual Review
- 2.3 Theoretical Framework
- ⋮
- 2.4 Empirical Studies
- 2.5 Research Gaps
- 2.6 Summary of Literature Review
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
- 3.1 Introduction
- 3.2 Research Design
- 3.3 Population of Study
- 3.4 Sampling and Sampling Technique
- 3.5 Validation of Research Instrument
- 3.6 Method of Data Collection
- 3.7 Method of Data Analysis
- 3.8 Questionnaire Administration
- 3.9 Ethical Consideration
- 3.10 Statistical Analysis
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA ANALYSIS, RESULT AND DISCUSSION
- 4.1 Introduction
- 4.2 Presentation and Analysis of Data
- 4.3 Re-statement of Research Questions
- 4.4 Test of Hypotheses
- 4.5 Discussion of Findings
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
- 5.1 Introduction
- 5.2 Summary of Findings
- 5.3 Conclusion
- 5.4 Recommendation
- 5.5 Suggestion for Further Study
REFERENCES
APPENDIX A - “QUESTIONNAIRE”
Disclaimer for Complete Material Utilization
The displayed research work titled "The Effect of Laboratory in Secondary Schools on Students Performance in Science Subjects" is stated as a research guideline towards accomplishing your assigned project / seminar research work. All the research materials on this website are ONLY for research purposes and should be used as a guideline in developing your research work. For no reason should you copy word for word as projectlist.com.ng will not be liable for any who copied the material. By ordering the complete research guideline, it signifies that you've accepted our terms of service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the material for “Act and Art of dancing during COVID-19 Era” be used as a guide for Performing Arts Project?
Yes it can be used — The study was carried out to examine the Act and Art of Dancing during Covid-19 Era using Health Approach. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out to investigate the mediums of dancing used as a medium of expression by dance stylists in their dancing during this pandemic, examine the impact of creating dance during this pandemic, investigate the dance works created during the pandemic have a new aesthetic form, namely virtual dance aesthetics, and assess the art creation activities during this pandemic are not only producing dance works, but also maintaining body immunity. The Corona or Covid-19 virus has influenced all areas of human life, including the life of choreographers. WHO has determined that all countries …
Is the topic “Economics Analysis of Snail Production” recommended for Agricultural Engineering (AE) Project?
Yes it is highly recommended — This project work centered on the economic analysis of snail production in Uhunmwode Local Government Area, Edo State and how snail production have been more effective and efficient in productivities activities within and outside the Uhunmwode Community in Edo State. Chapter one will focus on the introduction of the study, objectives of the study, scope and limitation of the study, statement of the research problems and finally definitions of terms. In chapter two we shall be looking at the literature review, which includes, the meaning of economics, the meaning of production, the basic concept of economic, forms of production, snail production, meaning of snail farming, concept of snail production, feeding of snail, care of snail, challenges of snail production and …
Can the material for “The Effect of Standardization in Improving the Management of Material in a Manufacturing Industry” be used as a guide for Purchasing and Supply (PS) Project?
Yes it can be used — Standardization is the organization and showcasing of manufacturing firm’s product or potentially benefits abroad are confronted with the choice of whether to institutionalize their product variants. The study scrutinizes the Effect of Standardization in Improving the Management of Material in a Manufacturing Industry. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out to determine whether manufacturing industry like Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) use standardization in procurement of their material management, ascertain whether standardization of materials input is used in their policy formulation with purchasing content, ascertain whether standardization of material have been undertaken by the organization, find out how productive the system have helped the company to achieve its corporate objective and determine whether this singular activity have …
Can the material for “The Impact of Apprenticeship on the Manpower Needs in Nigeria” be used as a guide for Business Administration and Management (BAM) Project?
Yes it can be used — “The Impact of Apprenticeship on the Development of Manpower Needs in Nigeria” underscores greater number of points which needed to be grasped. In reality, during this work, a look is taken to correct bad impression and misconception problem that apprenticeship programme is meant for the illiterates. It is against this background that extensive discussion is made on the formal apprenticeship system. The in-plant or in-house training programme is a worthwhile venture which almost every company and institution embark upon so as to meet the new demands, new problems and new challenges. Also, on-the-job training. A conjectural hypothesis is also formulated to identify, ascertain and analyse research problems and means devised to test it is Chi-square which determines the association between nominal …
Is the topic “The Effect of Heavy Metal on the Growth to Tomato Plant” recommended for Food Science and Technology (FT) Project?
Yes it is highly recommended — The study examines the Effect of Heavy Metal on the Growth to Tomato Plant (Lycopersicum). In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out to examine the concentration of total and available forms of heavy metals (Ni, Cr, Cu, Zn, Pb and Mn) in the greenhouse soils as well as the distribution of heavy metals in the different parts of tomato plants (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill, andevaluate the health risks of consumption of tomato or other vegetable crops grown on greenhouse soils is of great interest to producers and consumers. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) was used to determine heavy metals concentration. The concentration of available forms of all examined heavy metals in the soils and in tomato fruits were …
Is the topic “Society’s Current Attitude Towards Women in Science and Technology Based Artisan Jobs as a Factor in Mainstreaming Girls Into STM Education” recommended for Educational Technology Project?
Yes it is highly recommended — The study investigated the effects of early childhood education on the cognitive development of primary one pupils in Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State. In this study, extensive and relevant literature review was carried out under related sub-headings. The descriptive research survey was used in this study in order to carry out the objective assessment of the opinions of the respondents selected for this study. In addition, the questionnaire was adopted for the collection of data necessary for this study, while the sampling technique was applied in selecting the samples for this study. In total, four null hypotheses were generated and tested in this study, with the application of both the Pearson Product Moment Correlation and the t-test of …
Can the material for “Effect of Social Media on Academic Performance of Students” be used as a guide for Mass Communication (MC) Project?
Yes it can be used — The study was carried out to investigate the Effect of Social Media on Academic Performance of Students in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto. Investigation revealed that the educational system in Nigeria is faced with so many challenges which have certainly brought about a rapidly decline in the quality of education. There is a deviation, distraction and divided attention between social networking activities and their academic work. The research design used in this report is descriptive design, utilizing questionnaire method to obtain information from the respondents for this project. Primary data were collected from the primary source which questionnaire was used as an instrument of data collection while secondary data were sources from textbooks, journals, newspapers and the internet were employed. The …
Can the material for “Cooperative Marketing and Transportation” be used as a guide for Business Administration and Management (BAM) Project?
Yes it can be used — This work tends to present cooperative marketing and transportation Anambra State. In so during, the study emphasizes as a whole, the marketing activities of Ogbo-Efere Cooperative Societies in Anambra State. The research work was undertaken to examine and analyze the impact of cooperative Marketing in Anambra State. The data were mainly collected through questionnaire and personal interview directed to society. The researcher also use primary and secondary data to source the information used. The researcher used table, percentage and the technique for data analysis is the chi-square. It was discovered that Cooperative Marketing and Transportation in Anambra State are facing many problems especially transportation problem and infrastructural problem. Base on the findings of the researcher some recommendations were made to panacea and …
Is the topic “Investigation Into Information Technology Skills Required of a Secretary for Effective Job Performance” recommended for Business Administration and Management (BAM) Project?
Yes it is highly recommended — The research focuses on investigating the information technology skills required of a secretary for effective job performance in Imo State civil service system. In order for effective job performance of secretaries this is research was carried out to investigate the required skills needed. Secretaries/office technology managers in today’s office/business cannot achieve a reasonable percentage of organizational objectives without adequate knowledge, experience and skills with which to operate and manipulate the ICT machines and devices that will ensure accuracy, efficiency, standardization and increasing productivity of secretaries. In the light of this, this research also examined the following concepts: information, communication, technology, information and Communication technology, the challenges of ICT and office technology secretaries and their applications. The Conclusion made in this research is …
Can the material for “The Influence of Effective Personnel Management Practice in Organization Performance” be used as a guide for Personnel Management Project?
Yes it can be used — Effective Personnel Management in simple terms means the act of getting people together to accomplish desired goals. It comprises planning, organizing, Resourcing, leading or directing, and controlling an organization. The study was carried out to examine the influence of effective personnel management practice in organization performance using in Owerri West Local Government Area in Imo State as a case study. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out to ascertain basic understanding of the effect of personnel management on organizational performance, elucidate some problems encountered by an organization and ascertain the relationship between personnel management and organizational performance. The research design used in this report is descriptive design, utilizing questionnaire method to obtain information from the respondents …