Assessment of Outdoor Learning Activities in the Teaching and Learning of Chemistry

Abstract

The paper sought to assess outdoor learning activities for teaching of chemistry in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State. The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The population of the study was all the public senior secondary schools chemistry two (SS11) and three (SS111) chemistry students and chemistry teachers in Etche Local Government Area in Rivers State. 120 chemistry students and twenty-five (25) chemistry teachers used for the study were drawn from the population to comprise the sample size of 145 using simple random sampling techniques. Three research questions were raised to guide the study. This research used two separate questionnaires, the one for students consist of 10 items and the one for the teachers equally consist of 10 items and both questionnaires were tagged as questionnaire for assessment of outdoor learning activities (QAOLA). Data collected using these questionnaires were analyzed using mean and standard deviation for the research questions. The results of the study showed low extents both for outdoor learning activities type engaged on by students and for the skills acquired by the teachers in the use of outdoor learning activities. Furthermore, it was perceived by both teachers and the students that outdoor learning activities if engage in the teaching-learning process can enhance learning in chemistry. Hence, recommendations made include that schools should occasionally embark their students on outdoor learning activities in other to enhance the quality of chemistry education.