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
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