Highly Developed Naturalist and Spatial Intelligences Influence Students’ Confidence in Performing Science Laboratory Work

Abstract

The science laboratory work remains central to any science curriculum, be it indoor or outdoor in location. Of urgent importance for the successful formation of scientific habits of the mind and scientific investigative skills are the multiple intelligences and attitudes students bring to the laboratory. The current model of intelligence popular among science educators is the Multiple Intelligences Theory by Howard Gardner which articulates nine forms that are evident among learners. The naturalistic and spatial intelligences are the main focus of investigation since professional scientists are found to rely heavily on their spatial and naturalistic abilities when coming up with their discoveries. This study therefore investigated the science intelligences of 171 freshmen students in a university that offers academic programs under the health sciences. Notably, majority of the course experience in any health science program is replete with laboratory work. The spatial and naturalistic intelligences of the health sciences students are therefore examined specifically in its relationship to their confidence in performing laboratory activities. Findings suggest that students with highly developed naturalist and spatial intelligences are more confident when performing their laboratory activities.Keywords: Science education, spatial and natural intelligences, confidence, laboratory work, descriptive correlation, Davao City, Philippines