THE PRACTICE AND CHALLENGES OF IMPLEMENTING PRACTICAL ACTIVITIES IN THE LABORATORY CLASSES OF CHEMISTRY IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF ADABA DISTRICT, WEST ARSI ZONE, OROMIA.

The main purpose of this research was assessing the practices and challenges of implementing practical activities in the laboratory classes of chemistry in secondary school of Adaba district. To this effect, mixed research method (both qualitative and quantitative research methods) more specifically, a concurrent triangulation strategy was employed. In Adaba district, there are 6 secondary schools. To select the samples from target population, both simple random sampling technique and purposive sampling technique were used. Consequently, 20 chemistry teachers, 356 students and 11 management of the school, generally 387 samples were taken as samples of the study. Data collection instruments like: questionnaire, interview, document analysis, and laboratory observation were used. Questionnaire were prepared for 20 chemistry teachers and 356 students, which incorporate both close-ended and open-ended questions and 6 purposively selected chemistry department heads and 11 management bodies were participants of the interview. The quantitative data was gained from different respondents using questionnaire were organized, tabulated and analyzed through frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and independent t-test using 24 version SPSS software and the qualitative data were analyzed using thematic or grouping similar idea together and narrating the direct and summarized descriptions of the subject of the study. The findings of this study indicated that the most determinant constraints of practical activities in secondary schools include lack of laboratory rooms, inadequate supply of lab equipments, reagents and facilities, absence of trained laboratory technicians, lack of commitment and interest of teachers, shortage of time for practical activities, no plan and regular schedule for lab sessions, poor management, monitoring and evaluations of practical activities and practical activities did not get the necessary concern in all schools. Therefore, to bring the progress of practical activities in schools and to play a great role in initiating and supporting chemistry teaching in the laboratory, there should be done awareness creating campaigns by all stakeholders of the education system. Current and regular workshops and short term trainings about practical activities should be given to chemistry teachers in order to enhance and update their practical skills and capacities to carry out experiments and demonstrations more effectively.