THE IMPACTOF PRACTICAL WORK ON STUDENTS‟ ACHIEVEMENT IN CHEMISTRY: THE CASE OF WAGEBETA SECONDARYSCHOOLIN DUNA WOREDA

Abstract

Practical work is defined as learning experiences in which students interact with materials or with secondary sources of data to observe and understand the natural world. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of practical work on enhancing students ‘achievements in chemistry in Wag beta secondary school, particularly in grade 10, Duna Woreda Hadiya zone, CERS, Ethiopia. This study employed a quasi-experimental design. Among a total of seven targets, secondary school in Duna Woreda Wagabeta secondary school was selected purposely. 72 students as a sample size out of 360 total populations were selected using a random sampling method. To keep the proportional allocation of students from each section, stratified sampling technique was used. The sampled students were assigned into two groups: experimental and control groups. Both the groups were exposed to the pre-test. The experimental groups were taught using the practical approach for eight weeks while the control groups were taught using the conventional method. The study used instruments, namely Chemistry achievement tests, a questionnaire, classroom observation and interviews were used for quantitative and qualitative data collection tools. At the beginning of the first week, both groups were given the pre-test chemistry achievements test, and the post-test achievements test was given at the end of the eight weeks. The scores of each item were organized, statistically compiled, and entered into SPSS version 20 for data analysis to obtain the frequency and percentage mean value of each item. The findings of the students showed that practical approach resulted in higher students’ achievements in chemistry and lead to improved students’ attitude towards chemistry. The study concluded that a practical instructional approach is an effective teaching method which chemistry teachers should be encouraged to use to enhance students’ achievements in the subject. The study recommended adoption of the practical teaching approach in order to enhance students’ achievements and improve students’ attitude towards teaching chemistry