Effect of jigsaw learning strategy on performance and retention in organic chemistry among senior secondary school students in Kontagora, Niger state

Abstract

This research work examined the effects of Jigsaw teaching strategy on organic chemistry academic performance and retention in senior secondary schools in Kontagora, Niger state. The study adopted a Quasi-experimental re search design involving pre-test, post-test and post-posttest non- equivalence control group design. The population comprised of 1,129 senior secondary II school students in kontagora. The sample size for the student was 88 (Ex perimental 46 and control 42). Organic Chemistry Performance Test (OCPT) was used to collect data for the study the instrument was validated by experts and the reliability coefficient was determined to be 0.82 using Kuder Rich ardson formula (KR-20). Data collected were subjected to analyses at two different levels; descriptive and inferen tial levels. At descriptive level, mean and standard deviation was used to answer the research questions raised. At inferential level, Independent sample t-test was used to test the null hypotheses formulated at α ≤ 0.05 level of sig nificant.Findings revealed that there is significant difference between the performance mean scores of students taught organic chemistry using JIGSAW learning strategy and those taught using conventional method in favour of the experimental group. Also, there is significant difference between the retention ability of students taught organic chemistry using JIGSAW learning strategy and those taught using conventional method in favour of the experi mental group. It is recommended amongst others that adoption of jigsaw teaching strategy is necessary to address the current poor performance of students in chemistry and organic chemistry in particular, also Chemistry teachers should be encourage through training and re-training programmes by state Ministry of Education and Professional bodies such as STAN by organizing seminars and workshops for Chemistry teachers on how to address difficult con cept like Organic Chemistry.