Poor performance of students in chemistry
shows that they are having
difficulties in learning, mastering the content, and applying what
they have learned in examinations. The purpose of this study was to
find out the difference in (a) retention of information by students
taught nuclear chemistry using the culturo-techno-contextual approach
(CTCA) and lecture; (b) retention of information by male and female
students taught nuclear chemistry using CTCA, and (c) the interaction
effects of gender and method on retention of information by students
taught nuclear chemistry using CTCA and lecture. Learning theories
of Vygotsky’s constructivism theory, Ausubel’s theory
of meaningful learning, and CTCA’s philosophical framework
were adopted. This study used explanatory sequential mixed methods;
quasi-experimental research design was adopted. A total of 91 senior
secondary II students (SS2) (equivalent of grade 11 in the American
system) participated. Split-half was used to test the reliability
of the nuclear chemistry achievement test (NCAT), and a Spearman–Brown
of unequal length coefficient value of 0.80 was obtained. A statistically
significant difference was found in the retention of information by
students taught nuclear chemistry using CTCA and lecture [F(1,88) = 263.06; p = 0.00] which was in
favor of the CTCA group (experimental). A statistically significant
difference was not found for gender [F(1,46) = 0.39; p = 0.53]. The statistical interaction effect of method
and gender was not significant [F(1,86) = 0.25; p = 0.62]. We recommended that the use of CTCA should be
adopted by chemistry teachers in secondary schools to enhance learning.