EKSUJOE JOURNAL OF EDUCATION
Influence of Classroom Learning Environment on Secondary School Chemistry Students’ Achievement in Edo Central Senatorial District in Edo State
Abstract
This study examined the influence of classroom learning environment on chemistry students' academic achievement in secondary schools in Edo Central Senatorial District in Edo State. Two research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. The study adopts a survey research design and Expo Facto. The population consists of 2,500 secondary school students taking chemistry in Edo Central Senatorial District in Edo State. A total sample size of 300 SS11 Chemistry as selected, proportionally representing the various strata. The instruments for data collection were a structured questionnaire titled Influence of classroom learning environment on Chemistry Students' Academic Achievement Questionnaire. (CLEQ) and Chemistry Achievement Test (CAT). The instruments were validated by three experts. The Reliability was determined using a pilot study and data collected were analyzed Cronbach’s alpha statistics for the questionnaire and Kuder- Richardson 21 formula for the CAT , with a reliability coefficients of 0.78 and 0.77 respectively obtained. The data collected were analyzed using frequency and percentage for research question one, mean, standard deviation for research question 2 and 3, and independent samples t-test to test hypothesis one. The findings of the study showed that: most schools have unconducive physical, social and psychological learning environments; the classroom learning environment significantly affects students' academic achievement in chemistry; and there is a significant difference in male and female chemistry students' achievement based on the classroom learning environment they are exposed to. The study recommends that classroom conditions should be enhanced by ensuring adequate lighting, proper ventilation, and comfortable seating arrangements; efforts should be made to foster a supportive and inclusive classroom culture that encourages interaction and collaboration among students.
