Abstract:
Quality and effective teaching of Chemistry depends largely on adequate provision and
proper utilisation of instructional resources. The purpose of this study was to explore the
extent of utilisation of chemistry laboratory resources for teaching and learning in the
second cycle institutions in the Akuapem South Municipality. Descriptive survey research
design was employed. Purposive sampling technique was used in selecting 100 participants
for the study. Structured questionnaire and observation were used to collect primary data.
The reliability of the questionnaire was 0.79. Data collected was analysed using the
Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23.0. The study revealed that most
of the laboratory substances such as reagents and solutions are occasionally available while
some are not available at all. With respect to their adequacy, the study found out that most
of the resources are not adequate in the chemistry laboratory. Similarly, the study revealed
that a good number of the apparatuses and equipment’s are only used occasionally such as
during terminal and external examinations whiles others are not used at all. Again, the
study revealed several challenges chemistry teachers face in teaching practical’s which
include time allocation of practical work on the time table and large class size with limited
laboratory space. The study recommended that all the science laboratories in senior high
schools should be equipped with modern equipment and other necessary teaching aids or
instructional materials. The provision of these materials/equipment will help both teachers
and students in the teaching and learning process.
Description:
A Thesis in the Department of Integrated Science, Faculty of Science Education submitted to the school of Graduate Studies in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Philosophy (Science Education) in the University of Education, Winneba
APRIL 2023