Manipulative Skills of Students in General Chemistry

Abstract

: Well-designed practical work has the potential to motivate student and support deeper learning of concepts, manipulative competencies and cooperative approaches to learning. This study was conducted to assess the manipulative skills of the ninety-five (95) first-year college students of Isabela State University, Main Campus. The descriptive method of research was used in this study. A set of rubrics was developed to assess the manipulative skills of the respondents. Chi-square was used to test the hypothesis posed. The results obtained in this study revealed that the respondents performed excellently in measuring the volume of a liquid using the graduated cylinder and pipette which obtained the highest mean rating of 2.73. It was found out that there is a significant difference in the student’s performance in the five laboratory skills. Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations are to be considered: (1) Students must be given a well-supervised experience in basic laboratory techniques, including safe use of materials and equipment. Furthermore, the students must be trained in the four laboratory skills in (a) identification of parts and manipulation of laboratory burners, (b) weighing of samples using the triple beam balance, (c) determination of acidity and basicity of a solution using litmus paper, and (d) assembly of filtration set-up to develop their skills in the Chemistry laboratory, (2) future researchers are also recommended to assess the appropriate techniques and methods to help improve the laboratory skills of Chemistry students which would be most beneficial to improve their performance in the laboratory and (3) administrators should support undertakings of Chemistry students especially in acquiring new equipment, apparatus and chemicals.

udy recommends that, School heads should create a friendly environment between teachers and administration officers so that they will be able to instill passion in teachers to continue doing the work effectively hence desired results will be produced. Government should also provide in-service courses for the other members of the school administration so that they will carry out quality assurance processes effectively. There is also a need for sensitisation of community members for increased participation in matters affecting curriculum implementation through organised workshops.