An Assesment of Practical Intergration in Enhancing Teaching and Learning of Chemistry in High Schools in Kanduyi Subcounty, Bungoma County Kenya.

Abstract

The project intended to find out how practicals are integrated in teaching and learning of chemistry in high schools found in Kanduyi sub-county, Bungoma county .A case study carried out in the following schools; St.veronica Ranje high school, St.Teresa Sio high school and The Sacred Heart Wamalwa Kijana high school. Project questions were raised and the responses were obtained through the use of questionnaires that the teachers and students filled. The information obtained through the questionnaires was analyzed and statistically compiled, the results showed that students were much aware of the integration of practical‟s into teaching of chemistry and its role in improving the overall chemistry results. The encouraging results indicate that enhancing practical lessons would improve on the level of technology in sciences in educational system and the interest of each student in chemistry. Also the integration of practical‟s in teaching and learning showed improved level of understanding as well as good performance in chemistry. Schools which often incorporated practicals in teaching of chemistry recorded good performance in the national exams compared to those who did not carry out frequent practical lessons. Since it has been found that practical‟s have a positive impact when integrated in the teaching and learning of chemistry, the study recommends that it should fully be integrated in the teaching and learning of the subject. The research done revealed that practical are not frequently conducted and if done then it was mostly a large class demonstration. Due to large class demonstrations most learners are not able to interpret and make accurate observations during practical lessons. Therefore teachers are recommended to us small group class experiment to ensure each learner participates fully instead of using majorly large group class experiment lessons. The teachers should use the learner-centered approach in doing the experiments. The demonstration experiment by the teacher should be minimal where possible. The school should build a spacious chemistry laboratory to accommodate all the students well and equip the laboratory with enough equipments and reagents.