Attitude of Junior and Secondary School Students towards Basic Science Subjects in North Gondar, Ethiopia

Abstract

Education has become one of the most powerful weapons to reduce inequality and poverty (UNESCO,
2000). The main purpose of this study was to investigate attitude of junior, secondary and preparatory
school students towards basic science subjects in North Gondar. The study used a quantitative
research approach with cross-sectional survey design. To this end, 150 junior/secondary and preparatory
school students who were selected from North Gondar zone to attend kiremt (rainy season)
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) training at University of Gondar participated
in the study. Data were collected through self-report questionnaire and analyzed using inferential
and descriptive statistics. The results indicated that those students scored high on attitude towards
basic science subjects (chemistry, biology and physics) and had excellent Grade Point Average. Besides,
there was no significant difference in attitude towards basic sciences between male and female
students. Most importantly, attitude towards science significantly influenced Grade Point Average on
chemistry and biology subjects. Here, career interest was found to be the most important predictor of
achievement in biology. But, the adoption of positive attitude toward science was the most important
factor to explain achievement in chemistry. Career interest and adoption of scientific attitudes are vital
dimensions influencing students’ achievement in chemistry and biology respectively. Overall, this
study concludes that attitude towards science has a collosal influence on students’ achievement in
chemistry, biology and physics. Therefore, institutions such as the Ministry of Education, teachers, and
parents should plan and work in tandem to maximize students’ positive attitude towards chemistry,
biology and physics education.