EFFECTS OF COOPERATIVE STRATEGY ON SENIOR SECONDARY TWO STUDENTS’ RETENTION IN STOICHIOMETRY IN JEMA’A LOCAL GOVERVMENT AREA, KADUNA STATE

Abstract

The study examined the effects of cooperative learning strategy on senior secondary two students’ retention in stoichiometry in Jema’a, Kaduna State. It adopted quasi experimental research design involving pre-test-posttest nonequivalent control group design. The study answered three research questions and tested two hypotheses. The population of the study consisted of 543 students from public senior secondary schools in Jema’a. The sample of the study was 180 students drawn from four intact classes. The instrument used for the research was a Stoichiometry Retention Test (SRT). The validity of the instrument was established by judgment of three experts in relevant fields. The reliability coefficient of the instrument was determined through administering the research instrument on 30 respondents who were not part of the study. Results were calculated using Kuder Richardson (K-R-20) formula which gives reliability index of 0.70.  Data were computed using mean, standard deviation and ANCOVA.  The findings of the study showed that cooperative learning strategy was effective in improving the retention of secondary school students in stoichiometry. The study recommended that Chemistry teachers should adopt the use of cooperative learning strategy in the teaching of Chemistry at the secondary school level. The study further recommended that special training on the effective implementation of cooperative learning instructional strategy should be organized by Plateau State Government for teachers and students.