College of Natural and Computational Sciences

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    Investigating the Impact of Laboratory and Practical Activities on Chemistry teaching and Learning: A Case Study of Grade 10 Students at Weldu Negus Secondary and Preparatory School
    (Mekelle University, 2024-11-25) Geberemariam Fissha Abebe
    Chemistry laboratory activities play a crucial role in enhancing students’ understanding by providing hands-on experience that reinforces theoretical knowledge. This study examines the impact of laboratory-based teaching on student performance and attitudes at Weldu Negus Secondary and Preparatory School. A quasi-experimental research design was employed, where 263 Grade 10 students were divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group engaged in hands-on laboratory activities, while the control group received only theoretical instruction. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and post-test assessments, and statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS. The findings revealed that students in the experimental group demonstrated a significant improvement in their post-test scores, with 88.65% scoring above 50, compared to 54.54% in the control group. This highlights the effectiveness of laboratory-based instruction in improving student comprehension and engagement. Despite these benefits, several challenges were identified, including a lack of laboratory equipment and chemicals, insufficient trained personnel, time constraints, and limited teacher preparedness. Additionally, 61.9% of students expressed disinterest in laboratory activities, indicating the need for more engaging and student-centered approaches. Based on these findings, the study recommends improving laboratory facilities, providing professional development for teachers, integrating student-centered teaching methods, and increasing student motivation through real world applications of chemistry. Collaboration with external institutions and regular monitoring of laboratory practices are also suggested to sustain improvements in practical chemistry education. Future research should explore the long-term impact of laboratory-based learning on student career choices and the effectiveness of digital and virtual labs as supplementary tools. Implementing these recommendations will create a more effective learning environment and foster deeper scientific understanding among students.