EFFECT OF LABORATORY TECHNIQUE ON SECONDARY SCHOOL CHEMISTRY STUDENTS’ ACQUISITION OF PRODUCTION SKILLS IN LIQUID SOAP MAKING IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study determined the effect of laboratory technique on secondary school chemistry students’ acquisition of production skills in liquid soap making in Okigwe Education Zone of Imo State, Nigeria. Two research questions and one null hypothesis guided the study. Quasi experimental research design was adopted for the study with a sample of 98 senior secondary two (SSII) chemistry students’ selected from two out of 40 governments secondary schools in the zone. Liquid Soap Production Skills Rating Scale (LSPS_RS) was the instrument used for data collection. The LSPS_RS was validated by four experts (two from chemistry education and two from educational measurement and evaluation) and Cronbach alpha reliability coefficient of 0.81 was established. Treatment in the two groups lasted for four weeks. Data were analysed using mean, standard deviation and Analysis of Covariance. The findings revealed that students who were exposed to laboratory technique acquired higher production skills in liquid soap making than those taught using the conventional technique. It was concluded therefore that the use of laboratory technique enhanced students’ acquisition of production skills in liquid soap making. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that teachers should expose their students to liquid soap making using the laboratory technique in order to develop production skills that will make them self-reliant and employer of labour.