The Role of Teacher and Student in the Laboratory Activities as Seen by Science Teachers at the Primary Stage at Jerash Governorate in Jordan

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the role of teacher and student in laboratory activities from the point of view of science teachers at the primary stage, its compatibility with educationally acceptable level and the impact of teaching experience on it. The researcher has developed a questionnaire of (35) items, verified its validity and reliability and applied on (116) science teachers at the primary stage on Jerash in Jordan in (2008). The results showed that the science teachers’ view to the role of both teacher and student in laboratory activities moderately consistent with the trends of science education reforms, and hasn’t reached the educationally acceptable level (80%), nevertheless, it exceeded significantly the level of neutrality (60%). Also, the results showed that there were significant differences between outlooks of science teachers due to teaching experience. This study recommended that science teachers should be encouraged specific ongoing laboratory activities in teaching, and to held training sessions focus on the optimal use of it consistent with the new trends in science education.