IDENTIFICATION AND REMEDIATION OF DIFFICULTIES IN WRITING AND BALANCING CHEMICAL EQUATIONS AS PERCEIVED BY CHEMISTRY STUDENTS IN KADUNA STATE

Abstract

This study was aimed at the identification and remediation of difficulties in writing and balancing chemical equations as perceived by senior secondary students in Kaduna North Local Government Area, Kaduna state, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design guided the study. The sample comprised of 2,028 chemistry students randomly selected from 20 secondary schools in the area. Three research questions and one hypothesis guided the study. Data were collected using a 24 item four-point Likert scale questionnaire, developed and validated by the researchers. The reliability index of the instrument was 0.605 which adjudged the instrument as reliable and usable for the study. Means and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions while t-test statistic was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level. Findings indicated among others, that students encountered difficulties in writing and balancing of chemical equations due to inability to (i) recall correct chemical formulae of elements/compounds; (ii) identify correct valency of the species and (iii) recognize the state of the substance e.g. solid (s), liquid (l), gas (g) or aqueous (aq). Also, there was no significant difference between the mean ratings of male and female students on difficulties encountered in balancing chemical equations, since the calculated value of 0.01 was less than t critical value of 1.96 at 0.05 alpha level. The research also suggested among other that there should be collaboration between the mathematics and chemistry teacher in their instructional delivery, in order to work on some mathematical challenges relating to chemistry e.g making subject of formula.