Effectiveness of Hands-On Chemistry Experiments in High School Education
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Date
2025
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SDU University
Abstract
This master’s dissertation explores the impact of different instructional strategies on students’ academic performance and engagement in chemistry education, with a focus on the effectiveness of practical, laboratory-based teaching methods. The study compares two groups of secondary school students: a primary group that received instruction through traditional lecture-based methods, and a focused (experimental) group taught using systematic, hands-on laboratory activities. A total of 42 students were involved in the research, equally divided into the two groups. Both groups followed the same curriculum content and were taught by similarly qualified instructors, ensuring the internal validity of the comparative design. However, the focused group engaged in practical work, including laboratory experiments aligned with curriculum objectives, while the primary group experienced conventional instruction with minimal laboratory exposure. To evaluate the outcomes, a mixed-methods approach was utilized. Data were collected through a Chemistry Achievement Test (pre- and post-intervention), a laboratory skills assessment test, and a structured questionnaire measuring student perceptions. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses-including independent samples t-tests, and ANCOVA-were performed to assess academic growth, control for baseline differences, and examine the robustness of instructional impact. This study concludes that practical, laboratory-based teaching methods lead to more effective learning outcomes, particularly by enhancing scientific thinking, motivation, and personalized academic growth. The findings advocate for the broader integration of experimental learning strategies in chemistry curricula and underscore the need for policy support in expanding laboratory infrastructure, teacher training, and time allocation for hands-on instruction.
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Keywords
Pedagogical innovation, Chemistry education, Practical instruction, Laboratory skills, Secondary school
Citation
Aldenov R / Effectiveness of Hands-On Chemistry Experiments in High School Education / SDU University / Faculty of Education and Humanities