Relationship between entry qualification and performance in A’level chemistry: A case study of School of Basic and Remedial Studies, Yobe State University, Damaturu, Yobe State

Abstract

This study is on correlation between entry qualification and performance in A’level chemistry at the school of Basic and remedial studies, Yobe State University, Damaturu. The grade in chemistry at the West African Examination Council (WAEC) or National Examination Council (NECO) is the predictor while the criterion is the grade earned in the short structured test administered at the end of Basic 1. Three research questions and one hypothesis guided the study. A population of 99 regular students who registered for ‘A’ level chemistry were used for the study. The students’ data file and a check list were the instruments used for data collection. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (R) calculated from the data analyzed revealed negative correlation of 16.36 × 10^-2. The paper concluded that there was no relationship between performance of the students in the A’level chemistry and the entry grade (O’ level chemistry) in the Basic programme.

Keywords: Entry grade, Basic programme, A’level chemistry, product moment correlation.