Factors Constraining the Implementation of Chemistry Curriculum in Nsukka Education Zone of Enugu State

Abstract

The study investigated factors constraining the implementation of chemistry curriculum in Nsukka Education Zone of Enugu State. The study was guided by two specific purposes and two research questions. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population for the study consisted of 69 chemistry teachers in public senior secondary schools within Nsukka Education Zone. All the 69 chemistry teachers in the 61 public senior secondary schools in Nsukka Education Zone were used for the study because the population size was manageable. A 26-item structured questionnaire designed by the researchers was used for data collection. The instrument was face-validated by two experts from Science Education Department and one expert in Measurement and Evaluation in Mathematics and Computer Education Dpartment, all from Enugu State University of Science and Technology. The data collected was analyzed usin mean. The research results revealed that different factors significantly constrain the implementation of Chemisty Curriculum in Nsukka Education Zone of Enugu. Hence, the implementation in the State fell short of the recommended standard as documented in National Chemistry curriculum issued by the Federal Government of Nigeria. As an outcome of the investigation, it was identified that: lack of modern laboratory apparatus, overloading of curriculum contents, inadequate practical works, and poor financing of educational projects amongst others all significantly constrained the implementation of chemistry curriculum in Nsukka Education Zone. However, it was equally found out that: certain measures as outlined could be employed to improve poor implementation of chemistry curriculum in Nsukka Education Zone of Enugu State. Based on the finding, it was recommended that Government should amongst others: provide functional Libraries, ensure that chemistry teachers are adequately employed, and motivate chemistry teachers through the increase in salary and allowances.