Teachers’ Perception of the Impediments to Chemistry Teaching in Secondary Schools in Imo State, Nigeria
[1]
R. I. Uchegbu, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Alvan Ikoku University of Education, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
[2]
M. C. Anozieh, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Alvan Ikoku University of Education, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
[3]
C. N. Mbadiugha, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Alvan Ikoku University of Education, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
[4]
C. O. Ibe, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Alvan Ikoku University of Education, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
[5]
P. C. Njoku, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Alvan Ikoku University of Education, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Thepurpose of the study was to identify the impediments toteaching of chemistry at secondary schools in Imo state using government secondary schools in Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria. The research isa case study survey designed to identify the teachers’ perceived problems to the teaching of chemistry in the area under study. Some research questions were generated to guide the study. The population comprised of all the 21 Chemistry teachers in all the 13 secondary schools in the area under study. The population of the study equally served as its sample size. The instrument used was a questionnaire designed by the researchers to elicit information from the teachers. Data collected were analyzed using simple percentage. Findings revealed that lack of qualified Chemistry teachers, noisy environment, unavailability of laboratory equipment, students perception of Chemistry as a difficult subject with many theories are impediments to the effective teaching of Chemistry in secondary schools. Based on the above findings, it was recommended that, qualified chemistry teachers should be employed to man chemistry teaching in secondary schools, chemistry teaching classrooms and laboratories should be sited and built in a noise free environment. Teachers should endeavor to include activities which can help sustain students’ interest in Chemistry while planning their lessons, schools should work in collaboration with the government at all levels to assist them procure the necessary equipments and materials for effective Chemistry practicals in secondary schools.
Impediment, Chemistry, Teaching, Perception
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