AN EVALUATION OF THE NATURE AND OBJECTIVES OF CHEMISTRY PRACTICAL LESSONS AT THE KATSINA COLLEGE OF ARTS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ZARIA
AN EVALUATION OF THE NATURE AND OBJECTIVES OF CHEMISTRY PRACTICAL LESSONS AT THE KATSINA COLLEGE OF ARTS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ZARIA
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Date
1980
Authors
Oladejo Alabi, Timothy
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Abstract
This study was carried out to evaluate the
nature and objectives of chemistry practical lessons
at the Katsina College of Arts Science and Technology
Zaria.
Previous related studies have indicated that
the nature of any chemistry practical lesson can
be fitted within a continuum with the traditional
approach at one end and the modern investigatory
approach at the other end. The following variables
were used to evaluate the nature of chemistry
practical lessons.
(1 ) Time allocated to practical lessons as
compared to that allocated to theory lessons
(2) Relationship between theory lessons and
practical work.
(3) Responsibility for designing experiments
(4) Responsibility for interpreting data
obtained from experiments.
In the traditional approach very little time is
allocated to practical lessons as compared to theory
lessons and experiments are designed by teachers and
teachers help in interpreting data. The converse
is the case in the modern investigatory approach.
From the previous studies on the objectives
of practical lessons three phases to an experiment
can be identified viz
(i) the road to the experiment
(ii) the experiment
(iii) the conclusion to the experiment.
A comprehensive list of practical objectives
have been identified for each phase of the experiment.
The work of Swain (1974) is a classic example. Swain's
comprehensive list of practical objectives were
modified in this study and the modified version was
used as checklist in evaluating each of the three
phases to an experiment.
The chemistry practical work carried out in the
college for three consequctive sessions (1977/78, 1978/79
and 1979/80) as contained in the schedules of practical
work was used as main source of information. Laboratory
exercises were classified into experimental units.
Bach experimental unit was defined in terms of the
cognitive and manipulative skills demanded by the
experiments.
The nature of practical work was evaluated
using the variables identified earlier on, while
the objectives of practical work was evaluated
using the modified version of Swain's comprehensive
list of practical objectives.
Major Findings.
The study showed that the chemistry practical
lessons conducted in the college was largely traditional
in nature. There was little or no correlation between
theory lessons and practical work. Teachers tended
to usurp students role in designing experiments and
in interpreting data collected from experiments.
The study also revealed the fact that while
satisfactory opportunities were made available for
students to develop a wide variety of desirable
abilities at the ’experiment phase’ of a laboratory
exercise, the provisions made for developing a wide
range of abilities classified under the two other
phases to an experiment viz. the road to the experiment
and the conclusion to the experiments are largely
unsatisfactory.
The writer observes that what majority of developing
countries expect from science education is not producing
a generation of technicians good at servicing imported
technology but a new generation of original scientists
and technologist able to make unique contribution to
science and capable of developing local technology
to solve a number of peculiar national problems.
This new goal of science education in the
developing countries requires opportunities for
developing in students creative minds and intuitive
mode of thinking. The traditional approach to
practical lessons which is still popular in schools
is in the writers view grossly inadequate to meet
the nations aspirations.
Description
AN INDEPENDENT STUDY SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL
FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
DEGREE OF MASTER OF EDUCATION ( M. Ed )
IN
CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION - SCIENCE EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY
ZARIA
1980
Keywords
EVALUATION,, NATURE,, OBJECTIVES,, CHEMISTRY,, PRACTICAL,, LESSONS,, KATSINA COLLEGE,, ARTS SCIENCE,, TECHNOLOGY,, ZARIA