EFFECTS OF AVALABILITY AND USE OF LABORATORIES ON STUDENTS PERFORMANCE IN SCIENCE SUBJECTS
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to investigate the effect of laboratories in community secondary schools on students’ performance in science subjects in Magu district. A mixed approach was employed in connection with survey design and a sample comprised of ninety five (95) respondents. The data was collected using questionnaire, interview and observation. A SPSS programme was used for processing and analysis of data. The findings of the study revealed that, performance of science subject students have been affected by lack of practical lessons, lack of science subject teachers and scarcity of laboratory facilities. The study suggest that, the uses of science subject laboratories in community secondary schools are vital tool to bring positive impact to students performance. The study recommends that, there should be an extensive study on various factors influencing the academic performance of secondary schools in general and deep insight of the necessary interactions for improvements, the need to have a thorough research on the progress of the remaining 10 community secondary schools in Magu district and there is the need for the government authorities (local and central government authorities) through participatory planning and implementation of secondary schools development programmes to build science subject laboratory in every schools in order to have a sustainable and bright future of existing community secondary schools instead of adding more and more secondary schools.