A Study of Performance in Chemistry among Lower Secondary Government Schools in Zanzibar: Advanced Perspectives

Performance in chemistry of form two national examinations in Zanzibar government schools have not
been encouraging since 2009 to date despite several attempts made through additional carefully
planned instructional strategies and models to improve the status of teaching and learning chemistry.
From the performance data of 31 government schools sampled gotten from the Ministry of Education
and Vocational Training Zanzibar shows the average mean score is 30.16 with a mean standard
deviation of 2.1995 while those who passed are 30 ± 10%. With percentage pass mark set at 35%,
performance has been poor and persistent. Conclusively, enhancement of teachers’ effectiveness,
improved economies of education and setting aside fewer schools for science studies is mandatory.
The study recommends heuristic approach of teaching intertwined with instructional objectives to
bring learners into meaningful learning and effective understanding guided by the four domains of
Bloom’s taxonomy with more motivational orientations and innovations.