INVESTIGATING THE INFLUENCE OF HOME AND ENVIRONMENT ON THE INTEREST OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENT IN LEARNING CHEMISTRY IN JEGA METROPOLIS

ABSTRACT This study investigates the influence of home and environmental factors on secondary school students' interest in learning Chemistry in Jega Metropolis. Given Chemistry's vital role in advancing STEM careers and fostering critical thinking, student engagement with the subject is crucial. However, interest in Chemistry is often hindered by various intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including the physical, home, and social environments. The research aims to explore how these factors affect students' academic performance and enthusiasm for Chemistry. Using a descriptive survey design, the study gathered data from 430 students across four secondary schools in Jega. Findings reveal that the physical environment, including the classroom and laboratory facilities, significantly impacts students' interest, with inadequate laboratory resources identified as a key challenge. The home environment, especially parental support and access to learning materials, was also found to play a critical role in fostering students’ interest in Chemistry. Moreover, the social environment, particularly peer influence and group discussions, positively contributed to students’ engagement with the subject. The study concludes that improving laboratory facilities, enhancing parental involvement, and promoting peer collaboration are essential strategies to boost students' interest and performance in Chemistry. Recommendations include investing in better infrastructure, involving parents more in educational processes, and encouraging collaborative learning among students. Future research should explore the role of digital tools in Chemistry education and the gender-specific impacts of environmental factors on student interest.