Attitude toward and achievement in chemistry of first year college students of Central Philippine University

Abstract

This study entitled “Attitude Toward and Achievement in Chemistry of First Year College Students of Central Philippine University,” was aimed to determine the attitude toward chemistry of the first year college students of Central Philippine University. Furthermore, it aimed to determine the relationship between students’ attitude toward chemistry and their achievement in the subject. The respondents of the study were 310 first year college students selected through proportionate random sampling from the three colleges (Engineering, Nursing, and Arts and Sciences) of Central Philippine University. They were enrolled in General and Inorganic Chemistry during the first semester, school year 2001-2002. The data on attitude toward chemistry were gathered using an attitude scale which utilizes the Likert format. On students’ achievement in chemistry, the final grades in General and Inorganic Chemistry during the first semester, school year 2001-2002 were used. The mean was used for describing the central tendency of the responses of the students to the attitude scale and the level of achievement in chemistry of the students. T-test was used to determine the significance of the difference in the attitude mean scores between male and female students, and between the students from city and town schools. T-test was also used to determine the significance of the difference in the achievement in chemistry between male and female students, and between the students from city schools and town schools. F-test was used to test the significance of the difference in attitude toward chemistry and the difference in achievement in chemistry among the students from the colleges of Engineering, Nursing, and Arts/Sciences. The results of the study indicated that the first year college students of Central Philippine University have a “neutral” attitude toward chemistry. The results further showed that attitude toward chemistry did not differ between male and female students, and between students who come from city and town schools but significantly differed across courses. The first year college students showed only a “fair” performance in chemistry. Sex and course have no influence on achievement, but type of high school has. Attitude and achievement are significantly correlated, and the relationship is positive. The more positive the attitude, the higher the achievement. Based on the results of this study, the researcher recommends that the Guidance Office, in cooperation with the Department of Chemistry, institute programs that will help develop self-awareness and self-realization among the students which can lead them to the development of a favorable attitude. The researcher also recommends that chemistry teachers look into the reason underlying the low performance in chemistry, and take appropriate steps to improve it. A replication of the study in other schools is also recommended.