PROBLEMS OF STUDENTS IN CONDUCTING EFFECTIVE PHYSICS PRACTICAL IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN SOKOTO METROPOLIS

PROBLEMS OF STUDENTS IN CONDUCTING EFFECTIVE PHYSICS PRACTICAL IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN SOKOTO METROPOLIS. A RESEARCH PROJECT TOPIC ON SCIENCE EDUCATION

ABSTRACT

This study is an in-depth research on the problems that are facing students in the conduct of physics practical. The research adopted a descriptive survey research design, the population of the study constitutes of about (1413) student, and ( 20) teachers, out of which only (306) students, and (15) teachers were randomly selected as the sample. During the course of the study, a lot of problems have been discovered, which were: problem in identifying physics apparatuses, setting the apparatuses, making observations, taking readings, plotting of graph, lack of standard physics laboratory, inadequate laboratory apparatuses, lack of supervision, and lack of appropriate time allocation to physics practical among others. The recommendations made after this study include provision of a standard physics laboratory, and provision of adequate laboratory equipments among others.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1              Background of the Study

Today we are living in the age of science and technology. Scientific inventions and discoveries have revolutionalised our lives. Science is nothing but knowledge so obtained by observations, readings, experimentation and realization.

Science subjects constitute a major part of the subjects being offered in most post primary institutions in Nigeria today. These subjects are so important that the Federal government National Policy on Education (2004) in specific terms states that “the secondary school Education shall provide trained manpower in the applied sciences and technology’’.

The importance attached to science by the Federal government could be due to the general belief that science is capable of improving and changing skills, attitudes, and cognition by increasing pupil’s store of knowledge about themselves, their environment and their world. The development of any nation which depends on science and technology, hinges on science Education, science has been viewed as an instrument that can aid development in many countries. It plays important and dominant roles in spear heading technological advancements, promoting national wealth, improving health, and accelerating industrialization (Validya, 2003).

PROBLEMS OF STUDENTS IN CONDUCTING EFFECTIVE PHYSICS PRACTICAL IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN SOKOTO METROPOLIS. A RESEARCH PROJECT TOPIC ON SCIENCE EDUCATION