Examining Laboratory Assessment: Science Teachers’ Strategies and Tools in Focus

Abstract

Laboratory assessments in science education involves authentic and complex tasks that align with the goals of contemporary educational objectives. However, there is a notable dearth of studies specifically addressing teachers' practices in laboratory-oriented assessment, particularly in comparison to the extensive research conducted on other facets of the science curriculum. Consequently, this paper presents a study that examines the laboratory-focused assessment methods of science teachers, focusing on the adoption of formal assessment tasks, informal assessment strategies, and scoring tools for evaluating laboratory-related knowledge and skills. Utilizing a quantitative design, 114 secondary school teachers from three urban educational districts in Selangor, a state in Malaysia, participated in a survey. The findings revealed that science teachers predominantly embraced teacher-centric assessment approaches, rather than methods that promoted student engagement and peer learning. Furthermore, the findings highlighted a significant reliance on traditional, cognitively-oriented assessment tasks and the integration of real-time informal assessment strategies that provided immediate feedback for corrective actions. In contrast, time-intensive and cumulative assessment formats were less frequently adopted. The frequent use of checklists and rubrics indicated a structured approach to scoring. These findings emphasized the need for a more diverse and holistic assessment approach, one that extends beyond traditional methods to incorporate strategies that enhance critical thinking, practical skills, and student engagement. The implications of these findings are profound, affecting professional development and training as well as the provision of adequate resources and support, which are crucial for advancing the quality of science education.