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Full Project – EFFECT OF AVAILABILITY AND USAGE OF LABORATORY ON PERFORMANCE IN SSS CHEMISTRY IN OJO LG, LAGOS STATE.

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

The availability and usage of laboratories in Senior Secondary Schools (SSS) in Lagos State, Nigeria, significantly impact the performance of students in Chemistry. According to a study by Ogunleye (2002), the availability of well-equipped laboratories in schools enhances the practical understanding of Chemistry concepts, thereby improving students’ performance. The study further emphasized that the practical aspect of Chemistry, which is best taught in laboratories, helps students to understand and remember complex Chemistry concepts better.

However, the mere availability of laboratories is not enough to improve students’ performance in Chemistry. The usage of these laboratories is equally important. A study by Aina (2010) found that schools with laboratories that were rarely used did not perform significantly better than schools without laboratories. This study suggests that the frequency of laboratory usage is a critical factor in improving students’ performance in Chemistry.

Furthermore, the quality of laboratory equipment and materials also plays a significant role in students’ performance. A study by Okebukola (2004) found that schools with high-quality laboratory equipment and materials had students who performed better in Chemistry than those in schools with poor-quality laboratory resources. This study suggests that the quality of laboratory resources is as important as their availability and usage.

However, the impact of laboratory availability and usage on students’ performance in Chemistry is not without challenges. According to a study by Ajewole (2001), many schools in Lagos State lack adequate laboratory facilities, and where they exist, they are often underutilized due to factors such as lack of trained laboratory staff and fear of damaging the equipment.

In conclusion, the availability and usage of laboratories in SSS in Lagos State significantly impact students’ performance in Chemistry. However, for this impact to be felt, the laboratories must not only be available but also frequently used, well-equipped, and staffed with trained personnel.

1.2. Statement of the Problem

The problem of inadequate availability and usage of laboratories in Senior Secondary Schools (SSS) in Lagos State, Nigeria, is a significant issue that affects the performance of students in Chemistry. According to Aina (2012), the lack of well-equipped laboratories in many schools in Lagos State has led to a decline in the performance of students in Chemistry. This is because practical experiments, which are a crucial part of Chemistry education, cannot be effectively carried out without the necessary laboratory equipment and facilities.

Furthermore, even in schools where laboratories are available, the usage is often sub-optimal. Ogunleye (2010) found that many teachers in Lagos State do not fully utilize the available laboratories due to a lack of training and confidence in conducting practical experiments. This under-utilization of laboratories further exacerbates the problem, as students are not given the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, which is vital for understanding Chemistry concepts.

The issue is further compounded by the large student-to-laboratory ratio in many schools. According to a study by Adesoji (2015), the high number of students per laboratory in Lagos State schools hinders effective learning as it limits the amount of practical experience each student can gain. This situation is detrimental to the performance of students in Chemistry, as they are unable to fully engage with the practical aspects of the subject.

Moreover, the lack of regular maintenance and upgrade of laboratory facilities in many Lagos State schools is another problem. As noted by Okebukola (2013), outdated and poorly maintained laboratory equipment can hinder effective learning and performance in Chemistry. This is because modern Chemistry education requires the use of up-to-date equipment and facilities for effective teaching and learning.

The problem is not just limited to the physical availability and usage of laboratories. According to Ezeudu (2017), the lack of a conducive learning environment, including poor lighting and ventilation in many laboratories in Lagos State schools, also affects students’ performance in Chemistry. This is because a conducive learning environment is essential for effective teaching and learning.

In conclusion, the problem of inadequate availability and usage of laboratories in Lagos State SSS significantly affects the performance of students in Chemistry. This problem is multifaceted, involving issues such as lack of well-equipped laboratories, under-utilization of available laboratories, high student-to-laboratory ratio, lack of regular maintenance and upgrade of laboratory facilities, and lack of a conducive learning environment. Therefore, there is a need for concerted efforts to address these issues to improve the performance of students in Chemistry in Lagos State.

1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine the effect of availability and usage of Laboratory on performance in SSS Chemistry in Ojo LG, Lagos state. The specific objectives of the Study are:

To find out if the usage of laboratory equipment in Senior Secondary Schools (SSS) will reflect in the performance of students in Chemistry.

To investigate the correlation between the frequency of laboratory usage and the academic performance of SSS students in Chemistry.

To assess if quality of laboratory facilities affects students’ understanding and application of Chemistry concepts.

To identify the challenges faced by SSS in Lagos State in maintaining and utilizing laboratories for Chemistry education.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions was stated in line with the research objectives:

Does the usage of laboratory equipment in Senior Secondary Schools (SSS) reflect in the performance of students in Chemistry?

Is there a correlation between the frequency of laboratory usage and the academic performance of SSS students in Chemistry?

Does the quality of laboratory facilities affect students’ understanding and application of Chemistry concepts?

What are the challenges faced by SSS in Lagos State in maintaining and utilizing laboratories for Chemistry education?

1.5. Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement for the study is buttressed below

References:

Ho: There is no significant relationship between the frequency of laboratory usage and the academic performance of SSS students in Chemistry.

H₁: There is significant relationship between the frequency of laboratory usage and the academic performance of SSS students in Chemistry.

1.6. Significance of the Study

The significance of this study on the effect of availability and usage of laboratory on performance in Senior Secondary Schools (SSS) Chemistry in Lagos state cannot be overstated. Firstly, it provides an empirical basis for understanding the role of laboratory facilities in enhancing students’ performance in Chemistry. This is crucial as it helps to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, which is a key aspect of science education.

Secondly, the study’s findings could serve as a valuable resource for educational policymakers and administrators in Lagos State and beyond. By highlighting the impact of laboratory availability and usage on students’ performance, it could inform the development of policies aimed at improving the provision and utilization of laboratory facilities in schools.

Thirdly, the study could also be beneficial to Chemistry teachers. It could provide them with insights into how to maximize the use of available laboratory resources to enhance students’ understanding and application of Chemistry concepts. This could, in turn, lead to improved teaching methods and ultimately, better student performance.

Fourthly, the study could contribute to the body of knowledge in the field of science education. By investigating a context-specific issue, it could provide unique insights that enrich the global discourse on the role of laboratories in science education.

Fifthly, the study could also have implications for students. By identifying the challenges and opportunities associated with laboratory usage, it could help to create a more conducive learning environment that fosters students’ interest and performance in Chemistry.

Lastly, the study could serve as a reference for future research in this area. By providing a detailed analysis of the situation in Lagos State, it could provide a benchmark for comparative studies in other regions or countries.

1.7. Scope of the Study

The study examines the effect of Availability and usage of Laboratory on performance in SSS Chemistry in Ojo LG, Lagos State. The study will be restricted to selected Secondary Schools in Ojo Local Government Area, Lagos.

1.8. Operational Definition of Terms

The definition of terms are stated below:

Effect: In general, an effect refers to a change or result that is caused by something else. It can be a consequence or an outcome of an action or event.

Availability: Availability refers to the state of being accessible, obtainable, or ready for use. It can also refer to the extent to which something is present or can be found.

Usage: Usage refers to the way something is used or the act of using something. It can also refer to the customary or habitual use of something.

Laboratory: A laboratory is a controlled environment or a facility equipped with specialized equipment and tools for conducting scientific experiments, research, or analysis. It is typically used by scientists, researchers, or students to study and explore various phenomena.

Performance: Performance refers to the execution or accomplishment of a task, activity, or function. It can also refer to the effectiveness, efficiency, or quality of how something is done or achieved.

Chemistry: Chemistry is a branch of science that deals with the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of substances. It involves the study of atoms, molecules, elements, compounds, and their interactions.

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Full Project – EFFECT OF AVAILABILITY AND USAGE OF LABORATORY ON PERFORMANCE IN SSS CHEMISTRY IN OJO LG, LAGOS STATE.

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