Effect of practical activities on students’ academic achievement in some selected topics in integrated science

Abstract

The study investigated the effect of practical activities on students’ academic achievement in some selected topics in Integrated Science at Wa Islamic Senior High School in Upper West Region of Ghana. An action research design was employed for the study and the accessible population for the study were SHS 2 Integrated Science students. The intact class was made up of a sample size of 50 students. The instruments used were student achievement test (pre-test and post-test) and classroom observational schedule. The content validity of the main instrument was determined with the help of the supervisor of the study. The student achievement test and classroom observational schedule were used to obtain the data in the study. The data collected were analysed using t-test statistics. The study revealed that the use of practical activities is more effective in enhancing students’ academic achievement in science. It was also found that frequent organisation of laboratory practical activities and regular exposure of students to laboratory practical exercises promote the development of scientific inquiry of students. Also, gender had significant influence on students’ performance when taught with the use of practical activities. It was concluded that effective use of practical activities is a viable teaching method for enhancing students’ academic performance in Integrated Science. It is recommended that science teachers should adopt the use of practical activities alongside the theory to enable students acquire the needed skills for practical works. Also, students should be given that chance to practice the practical laboratory skills acquired regularly to enable them carry out practical works successfully on their own.