Influence of Learning Styles 0n the Academic Performance of Chemistry Students in Ekiti State, Nigeria

This study investigated the influence of learning styles on the academic performance of chemistry students in Ikere Local Government Area of Ekiti State. The study adopted descriptive design of the survey type of research. The population of the study comprised of chemistry students in senior secondary schools in Ikere Local Government Area of Ekiti State. The sample of the study was four hundred (400) students selected from ten (10) secondary schools. Simple random sampling technique was used to select forty (40) respondents from each of the selected secondary schools. The instrument for data collection for the study was a questionnaire. The split half method of reliability was used to ascertain the reliability of the instrument. A coefficient of 0.87 was obtained. Frequency counts and percentage were used to analyse the research questions while the formulated hypotheses were tested using inferential statistics of Chi-square (x²). The findings of the study revealed that there were significant influences of kinesthetic, visual, auditory and tactile learning styles on academic performance of chemistry students. Based on these, it was recommended among others that teacher should always choose suitable teaching method that suit and meet the learning style and academic needs of students in chemistry class.

Keywords: Influence, Learning Styles, Academic Performance, Chemistry,