Relationship of Science Laboratory Environment with Cognitive Learning of Science Students at Secondary Level

Abstract

Today is the age of science and technology. Quality science education is needed to meet the challenges of modern age. Quality of science education depends upon the quality of laboratory environment. The purpose of the study was to find out the relationship of science laboratory environment with cognitive learning of science students at secondary school level. The objectives of the study were to, measure the cognitive learning of science students at SSC level, investigate the existing physical environment of chemistry laboratory at secondary school level in Rawalpindi Division, investigate the relationship of science laboratory environment with cognitive learning of students at secondary school level, find out the integration of laboratory activities with theory at secondary school level, explore the ability of the students to recognize already learned information, ideas and principles, indentify the skill of students to translate material from one form to another, identify the skill of the students to apply concepts and laws vi in new situations, investigate the skill of the students to distinguish or classify ideas into component parts and describe the relationship. The population of the study consisted of all science teachers and science students of one thousand and six (1006) male and female students in Rawalpindi division. Through Proportionate sampling population of the study was delimited to three hundred schools, three hundred science teachers and four hundred science students of grade X. For collection of data three research instruments i.e achievement test with respect to cognitive abilities in the subject of chemistry for 400 students of grade X, questionnaire with respect to lab facilities for 300 science teachers, and interview guide for 30 science teachers were developed. Questionnaires were collected with the help of friends and colleagues. For execution of achievement test and interview personal visit were made to sample schools. Reliability of achievement test was found by Cronbach Alpha and reliability and validity of the questionnaire was found with the help of seven education experts. Data were analyzed with the help of descriptive and inferential statistics i.e percentage, t-test, chi- square and proportion Z test were used. Analysis of the study revealed that chemistry was being taught in most of the schools by lecture method. A substantial portion of schools had no science laboratories. Existing laboratories were substandard and adequate physical facilities, equipment and consumable items were not available. Practical work and theory were not conducted simultaneously. In girls‟ schools in general and in urban girls‟ schools in particular laboratory facilities were comparatively better available. Performance of urban girls in the achievement test was better than the performance of all other groups. The study reveals that there is positive relationship between laboratory environment and cognitive / academic learning.