Students' Psychosocial Perception of Science Laboratory Environments in Ghanaian Senior Secondary Schools

Abstract

This paper reports on a study that focused on students' perception of their science laboratory environment in Satellite and Science Resource Centre (SRC) senior secondary schools in the Central Region of Ghana. Data was obtained with the Science Laboratory Environment Questionnaire, administered on 338 third year science students. Four factors were found to influence students' perception of their science laboratory environment. Two distinct material environments emerged, which have not been reported in the literature. The findings revealed that students' general perception of their science laboratory environments in both school types were positive but significantly different in favour of those in SRC schools. The findings suggest that serious efforts must be made by the Ministry of Education (MOE) to improve the material environment, particularly, in Satellite schools. These schools lack the necessary facilities required to perform science practical activities. The acquisition of manipulative and recording skills which are tied to the context of a laboratory and emphasised by the MOE and the West African Examinations Council will continue to be lacking if this is not done.

Ife Psychologia Vol.13(1) 2005: 136-151