An investigative study on the views of biology students on the problem of laboratory management and safety in secondary schools

Thesis Overview

<p> </p><p><b>INTRODUCTION</b></p><p><b>1.1. &nbsp; &nbsp;</b><b>BACKGROUND<br>OF THE STUDY</b></p><p>The<br>laboratory in the school has been defined by several authors in different ways.<br>Maduabum (1992) sees a laboratory as a place where scientific exercises are<br>conducted by the science teachers for the benefit of the students (learners).<br>The laboratory exercises include; experiments, and other activities which help<br>the students in acquiring scientific skills. Ezeliora (2001) defined science<br>laboratory as a workshop where science is done or where scientific activities<br>are carried out under conducive environment. She also sees the laboratory as a<br>place where science equipment, materials or instruments are housed for security<br>and safety. Igwe (2003) observed that a laboratory can be indoor such as the<br>sufficiently designed and equipped room found in most schools or outdoor<br>involving such places as riverside, workshop, field and even market for<br>carrying out scientific studies. He further stated that what ever the type of<br>laboratory employed in science teaching, the same laboratory experience should<br>be attained, that is a participation n the series of experimental,<br>observational and demonstrating activities which provide opportunity for<br>students to develop understanding of practical and theoretical concepts through<br>solutions of problems. According to Omiko (2007) “A laboratory is a room, or<br>building or a special period of time equipped and set apart for practical or<br>experimental studies to take place”. He sees the laboratory as the heart of a<br>good scientific programme which allows students in the school to have<br>experience which are consistent with the goals of scientific literacy. This<br>implies that science teaching and learning cannot be completely done in a<br>secondary school where there is no equipped laboratory. Ufondu (2009) observed<br>that the laboratory is an indispensable organ of the school if effective<br>teaching and learning of the science subjects are to be achieved. Oxford<br>Advanced Learners Dictionary Special Price Edition (1998) defined laboratory as<br>a room or building used for scientific research, experiments, demonstration,<br>testing and analyzing of data etc. However, whatever is done in the science<br>laboratory is to obtain or acquire skills that would help to advance scientific<br>knowledge which subsequently would lead to the development of the human<br>society. Dienye and Gbamanja (1990) observed that laboratory method of teaching<br>is an activity involving a two-way approach carried out by one or more persons<br>through the exercise and experimental approaches both of which are useful in<br>science teaching. The experimental approach provides an opportunity for<br>students to seek information using experimental procedures. These procedures<br>call for careful observations and interpretation of data. It has the qualities<br>of questioning, investigating and confronting the unknown.</p><p><b>1.2. &nbsp; &nbsp;</b><b>Statement of the general problem</b></p><p>The<br>general problem of lack of well equipped laboratories in our secondary schools<br>has become a cause for serious concern as if has been a major problem towards<br>the development of secondary education in Nigeria.</p><p><b>1.3. &nbsp; &nbsp;</b><b>Aims and objectives of the study</b></p><p>The<br>major aim of the study is to examine the views of biology students on the<br>problem of laboratory management and safety secondary schools.</p><p><b>1.4. &nbsp; &nbsp;</b><b>Research Questions</b></p><p>1. What<br>are the views of biology students on the problem of laboratory management and<br>safety in secondary schools?</p><p>2. Are<br>laboratpries in secondary schools well equipped?</p><p>3. Are<br>their solutions to the problems of laboratory management and safety in<br>secondary schools?</p><p><b>1.5. &nbsp; &nbsp;</b><b>Significance of the study</b></p><p>The<br>study would be of immense importance to secondary school administrators as it<br>would reveal the views of students on the problem of laboratory management and<br>safety in secondary schools.</p><p><b>1.6. &nbsp; &nbsp;</b><b>Research Hypothesis</b></p><p>H0:<br>There is no significant difference on the views of biology students on the<br>problem of laboratory management and safety in secondary schools.</p><p>H1:<br>There is a significant difference on the views of biology students on the<br>problem of laboratory management and safety in secondary schools.</p><p><b>1.7. &nbsp; &nbsp;</b><b>Scope and limitation of the study</b></p><p>The<br>study is restricted to the views of biology students on the problem of<br>laboratory management and safety in secondary schools.</p><p><b>Limitation of the study</b></p><p><b>Financial constraint</b>–<br>Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing<br>for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of<br>data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).</p><p><b>Time constraint</b>–<br>The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic<br>work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research<br>work.</p> <br><p></p>