Assessment of current chemistry laboratory status and practices of secondary schools in Finote Selam town

Abstract

This research paper aimed to assess the practice, facilities, and effectiveness of practical work in Damot secondary school. The research was designed to narrate laboratory facilities (equipment and chemicals) and laboratory practice of Damot secondary schools and effectiveness of laboratory activities incorporated in grade twelve chemistry textbooks. Qualitative research method with thematic narration design were used to assess laboratory equipment availability and laboratory practice in Damot secondary schools and effectiveness of laboratory tasks incorporated in grade twelve chemistry textbook. In this study qualitative research approach was used to collect the relevant data. Qualitative data was collected through deep interpretive analysis of observed data, data from document analysis and data from the focus group discussion and data from the check list also used to examine meanings, themes and patterns of the laboratory task incorporated in the textbook during content analysis. Damot secondary school was moderately equipped in physical facilities, chemicals, equipment and other inputs. But the teachers who taught there have poor performance in implementing experimental works in laboratory. The assessment method, absence of specified laboratory technician, time allotment etc. make teachers, students, and administrators to highly focused in the theoretical aspect of the subject not on the practical aspect of the subject. Due to time allotment, class size and absence of laboratory technician teachers were forced to show laboratory activities in the form of demonstration instead of students practice on the task. Teachers lack commitment/interest and even skill to conduct laboratory activities in the laboratory. In addition, school administrator never supervises, organizes, and facilitates teachers and students to conduct experimental works there.