Research Paper

Abstract This is a review paper that identified factors causing students’ poor performance in science as teachers’ method of teaching, students’ interest, class size, poor laboratory facilities among other factors. Recommendations were made at the end of the paper; one of such recommendations was that teachers should be more dedicated to their duties
Introduction Science is different from other disciplines by its processes which are; observation, classification, measurement, prediction, problem identification, collection, analysis and interpretation of data, drawing conclusion, experimentation etc. In Nigeria research has shown that students’ performance in science has not been encouraging due to some factors. The table below shows percentage of students’ performance in May/ June Examination from 2006 to 2011 in Nigeria. Year Percentage of pass 2006 22 2007 20 2008 26 2009 26 2010 23 2011 30 Source: The sun news 2011
Factor influencing students’ performance Adegboye (2003) believed the main factor that is responsible for poor performance in mathematics is the fear of mathematics. Okooboh, Afolabi and Asilika (2004) stressed that the unimpressive response to science and technical education is particularly evident in students’ poor performance in science subjects at secondary school level. In the words of Ajileye (2006) insufficient resources for the teaching and learning of science constitute a major cause of student underachievement. The insufficient resources include laboratories, science equipment, and specimens to be used as teaching aids. Onuoha (1997) identified shortage of qualified and dedicated teachers as the factor affecting student performance in science and that poor practical orientation will lead to poor understanding of the theory. In his opinion teachers are no more dedicated to their assignments. They give more time to trading, petty contracts, farming etc. They sneak in and out of the classrooms and laboratories at will. Ukwuma (1990) in his