FACTORS AFFECTING 10TH GRADE STUDENT ACEDAMIC PREFORMANCE IN CHEMISTRY

Abstract

Chemistry has been identified as a very important school subject and its importance in scientific and technological development of any nation within the context of science education. This study aims at investigating factors that influence performance of Chemistry in Fincha secondary schools in Abay Chomen District of Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. The data was collected using questionnaires to both students and teachers; class observation schedule and interview to principal. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyze the collected data. The descriptive survey was employed to identify students attitude, assess the professional qualification of teachers; and analyze the teaching and learning methods used and learning resource needed in teaching the subject. The inferential statistics was used to support these descriptive survey of the study. The finding of the result revealed that, attitude of students towards chemistry; professional qualification of Chemistry teachers; teaching and learning methods used in teaching Chemistry subject and teaching and learning resources needed in teaching of Chemistry subject were the factors identified that hinders the students’ performance toward the subject. Moreover, the result indicate that, eventhough majority of the students were very positive toward learning Chemistry subject, their performance is far below average and they seem to score low grade in Chemistry subject. Therefore, chemistry teachers should use student centered method of teaching, the school should strive to provide adequate resources to increase students’ performance in chemistry subject in the study area and teachers should organize symposium to sensitize students on the practical applications related to the subject and carrying out continuous evaluation test were recommended.