An assessment of Availability and Utilization of Laboratory facilities for Teaching Science at Secondary Level

Abstract

The present study aimed to explore the availability and utilization of a science laboratory for the teaching and learning of science. This study was a joint collaboration with India’s Ministry of Human Resource Development, the Government of India, and the National Council of Educational Research and Training. The study adopted descriptive survey methodology and random sampling. The instruments used for the study were questionnaires for principals, teachers, and students. The study’s findings revealed in most participating schools; there were no separate science laboratories. It was also found that many teachers faced difficulties when conducting science activities due to the large number of students in each class as well as inadequate equipment and materials. The findings highlight that as there was no assessment of science laboratory practical activities, these activities did not contribute directly to the measurement of students’ academic performance in science. The study suggested that governments should support laboratory practical activities in science as a part of assessment and specifically for this study’s context takes immediate steps to set up science laboratories in all schools for the effective teaching and learning of science.