Availability of Laboratory Resources and its Effects on Teaching -Learning Progression in Science

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Laboratory resources play a vital role in the teaching-learning process of the Science subject. However, in most public secondary schools, there is insufficiency in the provision of these resources such as that of a secondary school in Laurel. For that reason, this is a study conducted to: identify the major problems encountered in conducting laboratory activities; know teachers' means of managing lessons in science; and know the effects of insufficiency of laboratory apparatus in teaching science.

METHODS

The study employed the qualitative-descriptive survey as a method of research. The research respondents were the Science teachers at Wenceslao Trinidad Memorial National High School. The data were collected through a researcher-made questionnaire, qualitative semi-structured interviews, and informal conversations.

RESULTS

The data gathered show that the major problem encountered in conducting laboratory activities is the insufficiency of laboratory apparatuses. That was why teachers manage the lessons by using only the locally available materials in the demonstration process. Due to this, students usually have an unsuccessful investigation of the experiment and became unaware of handling and using laboratory equipment.

DISCUSSIONS

The results demonstrate that the performances of the students are limited due to the insufficiency of laboratory materials. The researchers are anticipating that these results will create awareness among school stakeholders on the impact of limited laboratory equipment and facilities. This could enhance assistance to community secondary schools, as well as in equipping teachers to initiate pedagogical innovations to support student teachers who are likely to teach in similar contexts. A further study will be conducted to test the consistency of results since Wenceslao Trinidad Memorial National High School is the only public secondary school in Laurel District. Therefore, respondents are limited to Science teachers of the said school only.