Effects of availability and use of laboratories on students performance in science subjects in community secondary schools

Mulela, Mercy Mnzava (2015) Effects of availability and use of laboratories on students performance in science subjects in community secondary schools. Masters thesis, The Open University Of Tanzania.

PDF Download (4MB)

Abstract

This study was designed to examine effects of availability and use of laboratories on students’ performance in science subjects in community secondary schools. The study was conducted in six community secondary schools in Kinondoni municipality. The study examined the availability of laboratories, examine the use of laboratories, and assess the availability of science teachers, and science teachers ’perceptions how laboratories availability influence students’ performance in science subjects. The problem was that students’ performance in science subjects is appalling in community secondary schools. Survey research design was used and the study employed quantitative approaches where observation, checklist, school records and likert scales were used for data collection. The sample of the study included 6 heads of schools, 6 schools and 36 science teachers. The data were analyzed using frequency, percentages and ratio. Findings revealed that schools did not have laboratories; instead they had science rooms which lacked laboratory space. It was noted that apparatus and chemicals were either insufficient or absent in all sampled schools; instead schools improvised those equipment by using locally available materials in their environment. Experiments were done in large groups with little students. There was an acute shortage of science teachers. It was recommended that, policy makers need to ensure that students enrolment should match with the availability of laboratory facilities, more laboratory need to be built in schools and more science teachers be trained.

Actions (login required)

View Item