ABSTRACT

The main purpose of the study was to assess the factors affecting students' academic performance in chemistry in the University of Benin. The specific object of the study was to investigate into the factors affecting poor performance of chemistry students, to determine the relationship between teaching methods and academic performance in chemistry. The study also intended to determine the strategies adopted to improve the performance of undergraduates in chemistry and to determine if there is an effect of teacher’s utilization of instructional materials on the performance of undergraduates.

The research design adopted for this study was a descriptive survey design and the population of the study are chemistry undergraduate in the University of Benin. The study uses a stratified sampling technique and questionnaire was distributed to the selected samples and responses was elicited from them. The study was validated by face and content validity from the supervisor and professors in the department. The data collected was analyzed using counts, frequencies and percentages.

The study found out that students' attitudes towards learning plays a major role in an effective and productive learning. Findings revealed that the method of teaching can lead to poor performance in chemistry. Teacher's attitudes are not left out as it indirectly affects the interest of students towards learning. Inadequate school infrastructures, facilities and instructional materials also contribute to students' poor academic performance in chemistry.

Teachers should employ the use of better teaching methods that would draw the attention of students, affect their learning positively and also help students face the aspect of chemistry they find challenging. Positive teacher and student’s relationship can enhance students learning and performance in chemistry. Students should also be enlightened on the effects of positive attitude towards learning chemistry as a course. The school administrators and government should provide school facilities and instructional materials that would facilitate teaching and learning in chemistry.