INFLUENCE OF SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT ON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF CHEMISTRY STUDENTS IN JALINGO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of school environment on the academic achievement of chemistry students in Jalingo Local Government Area, Taraba State. The study employed survey research design. The population of the study comprised of 3985 chemistry students in Jalingo Local Government Area. Based on KrejCie and Morgan (1970) table for determining sample size, a sample of 355 respondents was selected to ensure representativeness. The simple random sampling technique was used in selecting the sample from six schools in the study area. A structured questionnaire titled: Influence of School Environment on Chemistry Students’ Academic Achievement Questionnaire (ISECSAAQ) was used for data collection. A reliability test was carried out using Cronbach Alpha and reliability coefficient of 0.83 was obtained. The questionnaire ISECSAAQ was administered to the selected schools to determine the respond of the respondents. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research question while Chi square was used in testing the hypotheses. Findings of the study revealed that class size influences chemistry students’ academic achievement, there is no significance influence of instructional facilities on chemistry students’ academic achievement. Based on the findings of the study, it is evident therefore to conclude that class size influences chemistry students’ academic achievement; there is no significance influence of instructional facilities on chemistry students’ academic achievement. Chemistry students should not be over- populated in chemistry class as that will enhanced students’ academic achievement. The study recommend that Chemistry teachers should use teaching/ learning materials that are culturally relevant, current or aligned with the curriculum as that will lead to maximum impact of learning outcomes among learners.