The Causal Factors Influencing Chemistry Learning Achievement of Matthayomsueksa 5 Students Sri Sa Ket Province.

Abstract

Chemistry is a branch of science. Humans have learned about the structure
and composition of matter. Changes that occur in the composition of matter.
And mechanisms of reactions associated with those changes. Chemistry has
evolved from an understanding of the nature. It is very important to everyday life. It is
also necessary to learn the basic disciplines. But in the present state of knowledge
of chemistry that student achievement is low, not attaining the objectives laid down.
Therefore, this study aims to examine causal factors influencing chemistry learning
achievement of Mathayomsueksa 5 students in Changwat Si Sa Ket ,and to construct
and develop a model of causal factors influencing Chemistry learning achievement
of Prathomsueksa 5 students in Changwat Si Sa Ket. The sample in this study
consisted of 770 Matthayomsueksa 5 students in Changwat Si Sa Ket in the second
semester of the academic year 2011,obtained using the multi-stage random sampling
technique. There were totally 5 independent variables : achievement motivation,
instruction behavior, self-concept, chemistry attitude, and prior knowledge of
chemistry. The dependent variable was chemistry learning achievement. The
instruments used in the study were a chemistry achievement test and prior knowledge
of chemistry test These instruments had discrimination powers ranging from 0.20 -
0.98 and 0.21 - 0.83 and reliabilities of 0.92 and 0.96 respectively, and a scale on
factors influencing chemistry learning achievement comprising 4 parts , achievement
motivation, instruction behavior, self-concept and chemistry attitude.These instruments
had discrimination powers ranging from .28 -.73, .26 -.67, .29 -.62 and .39 -.72 ,
respectively. The total reliabilities were.88, .93, .90 and .88 respectively. Data were
analyzed by Path Analysis with LISREL
The results of the study were as follows :
1.The factors influencing Chemistry learning achievement of
Matthayomsueksa 5 students in Si Sa Ket had 5 variables : achievement motivation,
instruction behavior, self-concept,chemistry attitude, and prior knowledge of chemistry.
2. The model of causal factors influencing Chemistry learning achievement
of Matthayomsueksa 5 students in Si Sa Ket was in congruence with the empirical data,
considering from χ 2 = 152.955 , df = 129 , p= 0.074 , GFI = 0.980 and AGFI = 0.968
The variables with direct influences chemistry learning achievement was prior
knowledge of chemistry. The variable with both direct and indirect influences were
instruction behavior and chemistry attitude. The variables with indirect influences
were achievement motivation and self-concept.
In conclusion, there were 5 causal factors influencing chemistry learning
achievement Therefore, chemistry teachers and those involved should give the
importance to the factors as mentioned. The study finding could the used as
a guideline for improving the teaching technique for learners to have higher learning
achievement in the future.