ASSESSING LABORATORY ACTIVITIES AND ITS THE IMPACT OR EFFECT ON STUDENTS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN CHEMISTRY

ABSTRACT: This study was carried out to examine the impact or effect of laboratory activities on students academic performance in chemistry. Specifically, the study examined the availability and use of  laboratory facilities in schools, investigated the frequency of students to laboratory activities in schools, explored if the exposure of students to laboratory activities will improve their academic performance and determined the exposure of students to laboratory activities, develops scientific attitudes in students towards the learning of chemistry. The study employed the survey descriptive research design. A total of 141 responses were validated from the survey. The study adopted the Cognitive Learning Theory. From the responses obtained and analysed, the findings revealed that the extent of extent of availability of laboratories in secondary schools is very high though most are not equipped adequately. Furthermore, the findings revealed that exposed to laboratory activities frequently in schools is high. The findings also revealed that exposure of students to laboratory activities will improve their academic performance. The study recommend that schools should endeavour to have a well equipped library laboratories and students should be frequently exposed to laboratory activities. More so, laboratories in schools should be made open and accessible to both teachers and students.