Students' and Teachers' Attitude and Performance in Chemistry in Secondary Schools in Kwale County, Kenya

John O. Ogembo, Habil Otanga,

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which students' and teachers' attitudes hinder good performance in chemistry among students in secondary school. The sample consisted of 482 form three students and nine chemistry teachers from nine secondary schools. Data were collected through a questionnaire and interview schedule. Results showed that chemistry teachers' negative perception of their learners’ abilities was strongly linked to persistent poor performance in chemistry. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education should enhance supervision of curriculum implementation in schools, enhance teacher motivation and increase facilities.