Factors Affecting The Implementation Of Active Learning In Chemistry Lessons:(The Case Of Grade 11 Students In Some Preparatory Schools Of Horo Guduru Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional State)

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess factors affecting the implementation of active learning in chemistry in some preparatory schools of Horo-Guduru Wollega Zone. To achieve this goal Amuru, Agemsa and Alibo preparatory schools were selected as study area. The sample study consisted of 228 grade 11 natural science students, 7 chemistry teachers and 3 school directors/vice directors of the school. The students were selected from each sample school using simple random sampling technique. The chemistry teachers and the school directors/vice directors were selected on the bases of availability sampling. The research method employed in the study was a descriptive survey. Questionnaire, Interview and Observation were the major data gathering tools used in the study. The data was analyzed and interpreted by descriptive statistics using spss in terms of the frequency of number of respondents’ in percentage, mean, standard deviation, one sample T-test, Pearson correlation and regression analysis method. The result of the study revealed that the magnitude of implementation of active learning methods during chemistry lesson was not much expected; this was related to factors affecting its implementation in the teaching-learning process, mainly teacher’s competence, and appropriateness of the curriculum, facilities, class size, roles played by educational leaders, societal attitudes and the assessment methods used in the process of implementation. The main problems observed in the teaching learning of chemistry includes, ineffective implementation of the curriculum mainly using the strategies properly, lack of instructional materials and adequate facilities , unequal and low participation of students, large class size , insufficient support given by educational leaders for the implementation of active learning, low positive societal attitudes towards chemistry lessons. Based on the findings, the conclusions were made and recommendations forwarded to alleviate the existing problems.