Evaluation of science laboratories in Palestinian schools

Abstract

This study sets out to assess the general situation and practices of the science laboratory activities in the Palestinian secondary and preparatory schools. The article is based on data collected from a select sample of University students who responded to a questionnaire devised by the author. The survey included questions about the use of laboratory activities in the teaching of sciences, as well as about the kind of equipment used and the nature of experiments carried out. The survey shows that the majority (80%) of Palestinian students are exposed to at least one or more science experiment during their period of school study. Less than one third of participants write reports for laboratory activities or receive oral and written feedback for the experiments from the teacher. Furthermore, the survey revealed that there are no significant differences between the experiences of public and private school students concerning the majority (90%) of the science experiments and equipment listed in the questionnaire. On the other hand, important differences do exist when it comes to the conditions of the science laboratory in the two school sectors in Palestine.