Effectiveness of high school laboratories and suggestions for improvement

Abstract

Scope of Study: The basis for this study was the understanding principles of education. These principles were stated and modified into specific objectives for science laboratory work in education. The current methods of conducting laboratory experiments were studied. Recent literature concerning faulty laboratory practices and studies of improved methods and laboratory procedures were consulted. The criticisms and suggested improvements were studied in relation to the laboratory objectives.

Findings and Conclusions: The effectiveness of the high school laboratory depends to a great extent upon the way that the laboratory is used, the preparation of both students and teachers, and the careful planning of laboratory exercises.

The basic objectives of the laboratory should be kept in mind at all stages of planning and executing the laboratory period.

The greatest weaknesses in the laboratory were found to be lack of interest on the part of the student, lack of student participation, automation type experiences in the laboratory, and failure to develop scientific attitudes and methods of study or work. These can be remedied through better planning, creating an atmosphere that leads to student participation, the use of open ended experiments, and encouraging students to undertake original research.