ABSTRACT
This study was carried out in order to know the common difficulties encountered by students in chemistry practical class in secondary schools in Uhunmwonde LGA of Edo State. The number of teachers and students involved were about fifty two students and seven for teachers respectively. The criteria used for the selection of the schools was based on their past performance in SSCE (2006-2009). This research was based on four hypotheses, the four hypotheses were validated and they are:
There is shortage of qualified chemistry teachers in secondary schools.
School laboratories are inadequately equipped.
There is over-population in laboratory rooms.
Insufficient practical periods on the time table
The schools involved include the following
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Obadan Secondary school, school
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Eyaen secondary school, Eyaen
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Egba secondary school
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Urukposa secondary school
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Ekose grammar school, Ekose
The data for this was obtained through the use of questionnaires, oral interview and the records of the SSCE (2006-2009) the following conclusions were arrived at:
i.             Enough named chemistry teachers who would be able to perform and teach practical, immensely contribute to the brilliant performance of students in chemistry.
ii.            Equipped chemistry laboratory enable the teacher the students to carryout practical exercise effectively.
iii.           Students in a school that has sufficient laboratory rooms and time allocated to the teaching chemistry practical perform better in chemistry examination. From this findings, it was recommended that:
Government should endeavour to provide adequate and equip laboratories, classroom blocks and enough qualified teachers.
iv.          The 6-3-3-4 system of education should not be seen as a change to subject matter but an introduction of the technological orientation.
