A Survey of the factors affecting girls in learning of "O" level chemistry and their effects on achivement in chemistry in some selected secondary schools in Tetu division of Nyeri District

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating the factors that affect girls in the learning of chemistry especially at O-lever. The effects of those factors on the achievement in chemistry were also looked into. The study was based in Tetu division of Nyeri district. It probed into:

(i) The attitude of girls towards chemistry

(ii) The teacher's role in encouraging girls to learn chemistry.

(iii) Teaching aids available to girls for learning chemistry.

(iv) The textbooks used in chemistry teaching.

(v) The role of parents in encouraging girls to learn chemistry

(vi) Guidance and counseling in relation to girl’s interest and performance in chemistry.

In gathering of information the researcher employed a sample survey type of research in which he relied on observed information, informal interviews with chemistry teachers and the data gathered by the student's and teacher's questionnaires.

Five schools in the division all of which were co-educational were involved in the research. To get the sample of student respondents, the girls in form four chemistry classes in these schools were randomly selected. The total sample involved eight one girls and six teachers.

The findings of the study revealed that:-

a) Majority of the girls had positive attitude towards chemistry but this attitude was negatively affected by;

(i) Poor teaching methods. (ii) The involvement of mathematical manipulation in chemistry.

b) Some teachers had negative attitude towards the girls in their chemistry classes. Such teachers were of the view that girls were generally slow learners. This attitude seriously lowered the girls performance in the subject.

c) Most schools gave information on careers to the girls thus enhancing their interest in chemistry.

d) Majority of the girls lacked confidence in handling laboratory apparatus due to lack of enough practice.

e) Most of the schools had a variety of chemistry textbooks but majority of the girls found the language used in those books difficult to follow. This lowered their achievement in chemistry.

f) A large number of parents encouraged their daughters to learn chemistry hence boosting the girls interest and achievement in the subject.