Relevance and safety of Chemistry laboratory experiments from students’ perspective: a case study at Jimma University, southwestern Ethiopia

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to gather students’ opinion about the relevance and safety of Chemistry laboratory experiments. The study population of the study were undergraduate students majoring Chemistry, at Jimma University. The data were collected from randomly selected 123 students using structured questionnaires prepared in English. The result was analyzed (interpreted) using or based on calculated percentages. The results indicated that students in Chemistry laboratories are given opportunities to learn by doing i.e., self-practicing of experiments (62, 50.4%). Several advantages of Chemistry practical classes (experiments) were mentioned by the respondents. Some of the advantages were practical classes enable students in proper handling of chemicals and operating apparatus and instruments (42, 38.2%), data collection, interpretation and report writing skill (40, 32.5%) and developing attitude towards scientific research (36, 29.2%). Even though there are some complaints by students. Almost all the respondents (109, 88.6%) enjoyed laboratory classes offered by the Department. The group work currently employed in all chemistry laboratories are accepted by the majority (72, 58.5%) of the respondents. Organic Chemistry laboratory experiments were mentioned as potentially more dangerous than experiments in other Chemistry streams. Keywords: Chemistry laboratory, Jimma university, self-practicing, chemistry laboratory experiments, Community-based education (CBE).