Abstract:
Strengthening of Mathematics and Science in Secondary Education (SMASSE) In-
Service and Training Project was launched in Kenya in 1998. The main objective of the
SMASSE IN-SET Project was to improve performance in Mathematics and Science
subjects through student centered learning. The purpose of this study was to evaluate
effects of SMASSE IN-SET Project on the teaching and learning of chemistry in
Secondary Schools in Lugari District. The study employed descriptive survey design. The
targeted population was the three thousand one hundred and eight students in forms three
and four and the sixty six teachers of chemistry in the twenty-two secondary schools that
offered KCSE examinations in the year 1999 in the district. The sample comprised
sixteen teachers of chemistry and four hundred and ten students drawn from fourteeri
secondary schools. The sampled students were randomly selected, putting into
consideration gender balance. Teachers were picked by both purposive and random
sampling while some schools were purposely selected and others randomly sampled after
stratification basing on type of the school and the role the school(s) played in the
SMASSE IN-SET project. The sampled students and teachers formed the respondents in
this study. Data was collected using questionnaires and document analysis. The
questionnaire items were both open-ended and close-ended. The questionnaires were self
administered. Data collected was analyzed by using descriptive statistics. The research
established that students' attitude towards Chemistry had not changed from negative to
positive as had been envisaged by SMASSE IN-SET project. In conclusion, though the
SMASSE IN-SET Project had achieved some of its objectives such as improved
performance in chemistry in KCSE examinations, it was yet to achieve much in making
teachers practice some of aspects - such as teaching and learning of Chemistry being
student centered, they were in-serviced on during their SMASSE IN-SETs. It is
recommended that the way the SMASSE IN-SET is conducted should be re-invented
with the view to motivating the participants and making them own the project. This, will
make it possible for SMASSE IN-SET Project to achieve its set objectives
