Survey on identification and overcoming difficulties in carrying out chemistry practical work in schools in Uva province
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Date
2008
Authors
Siriyalatha, R. M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Peradeniya
Abstract
Survey on Identification and Overcoming Difficulties in Carrying out Chemistry Practical work in Uva Province’s schools. Laboratory activities are major concern when studying Chemistry. Most laboratories in the region are basically equipped. The students had to use available resources to enhance their practical knowledge. Chemistry practical will increase the student’s knowledge, attitudes and psychomotor skills.
Uva Province is relatively under developed; and poor educational background. 31 schools have science stream out of 261 schools and about 50 chemistry teachers allocated in these schools and most are interesting chemistry practical. But practical are not properly planned and conducted in a tight schedule. It is difficult to achieve aims and objectives which expected in doing chemistry practical. The teachers follow three methods in chemistry practical.
Doing practical, 1) Parallel to the theory, 2) During a week as pre-planned, 3) After teaching theory is completed.
These practical are demonstrated by teacher followed by groups of students continuing and other practical as instructed by the teacher. About 3000 students are studying Science stream are interested to complete practical work. Teachers and students like to include Chemistry practical examination at GCE (A/L) examination. They believe Chemistry practical work can develop many skills, useful in real world and future career. Laboratory has attendants and they are not properly trained or guided, that issue discourage doing practical. Few schools which do not have any lab assistant/attendant while few other schools with excess staff.
Few labs are resourceful and arranged properly and most school labs’ infrastructure facilities are at a poor state where they do not have water supplies, electricity and other resources and space so forth. Few schools are using Chemistry lab as a classroom.
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Keywords
Science Education