COMPLETE PROJECT-AN INVESTIGATIVE STUDY ON THE VIEWS OF BIOLOGY STUDENTS ON THE PROBLEMS OF LABOURATORY MANAGEMENT AND SAFETY IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS

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AN INVESTIGATIVE STUDY ON THE VIEWS OF BIOLOGY STUDENTS ON THE PROBLEMS OF LABOURATORY MANAGEMENT AND SAFETY IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1      Background of the study

The management and safety of laboratories in secondary schools are critical components of science education, particularly in biology. Effective laboratory management ensures that students can engage in hands-on learning experiences that are both educational and safe. However, numerous studies have highlighted persistent issues in this area. For instance, a study by Yager and Penick (1986) emphasized that inadequate funding and resources often lead to poorly equipped laboratories, which can hinder the learning process. This lack of resources not only affects the quality of education but also poses significant safety risks to students.

Safety in school laboratories is another major concern that has been extensively documented. According to a report by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA, 2014), many secondary school laboratories do not meet the recommended safety standards. This includes issues such as inadequate ventilation, improper storage of chemicals, and lack of safety training for both students and teachers. These deficiencies can lead to accidents and injuries, which are often preventable with proper management and adherence to safety protocols.

The views of biology students on these issues provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of current laboratory management practices. A study by Hofstein and Lunetta (2004) found that students often feel unsafe in poorly managed laboratories, which can negatively impact their learning experience and interest in science. Students reported concerns about the availability of safety equipment, the condition of laboratory facilities, and the adequacy of supervision during experiments. These perceptions are crucial for understanding the real-world implications of laboratory management policies.

Furthermore, the role of teachers in laboratory management cannot be overstated. Teachers are responsible for ensuring that safety protocols are followed and that students are adequately trained to handle laboratory equipment and materials. Research by West and Kennedy (2014) indicates that many teachers feel unprepared to manage laboratory safety effectively due to a lack of professional development opportunities. This gap in training can lead to inconsistent safety practices and increased risk of accidents.

In addition to teacher preparedness, the involvement of school administration in laboratory management is essential. Administrative support is necessary for securing funding, maintaining facilities, and implementing safety policies. A study by Osborne and Dillon (2008) highlighted that schools with strong administrative support tend to have better-managed laboratories and fewer safety incidents. This underscores the importance of a collaborative approach to laboratory management, involving teachers, administrators, and students.

The problems of laboratory management and safety in secondary schools are multifaceted and require a comprehensive approach to address. The views of biology students, as well as the roles of teachers and administrators, are critical components of this issue. By understanding and addressing these perspectives, schools can create safer and more effective learning environments for students. Future research should continue to explore these dynamics and develop strategies for improving laboratory management and safety in secondary schools.

1.2      STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The study and mastery of Biology is a major objective of Nigeria education. The achievement of this objectives requires the concern of both the government and private owners of schools in collaboration with classroom teachers. There is a great need for proper provision and Biology science Laboratory Apparatus in the Teaching of Biology also utilization of instructional materials in order to achieve the objective of the emphasis laid on the importance of biological science laboratory apparatus in the teaching of biology in senior secondary schools at all levels of our educational system.

Provision and improvisation of Biology science Laboratory Apparatus and their proper utilization in delivering instructional on biology lesson, undoubtedly will improve the teaching and learning outcome of the subject and the learners. Despite the consensus on the importance and place of biology in teaching of Biology, there is a glaring absence of these materials and poor utilization by teachers. The resultant effects of the absence of these Biology science Laboratory Apparatus and their poor utilization on students include mass failure in Biology examination in most schools.

The problem of this study therefore is the extent of the importance of biological science laboratory apparatus in the teaching of biology in senior secondary schools. It is in view of the above that the researcher intends to investigate the view of students on the problems of laboratory management and safety in secondary schools

1.3      OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The main objective of the study is to investigate the view of biology students on the problem of laboratory management and safety in secondary schools, but to aid the successful completion of the study, the researcher intends to achieve the following specific objectives:

1. i)             To ascertain the effect of poor management of laboratory equipment on student performance in biology
2. ii)           To investigate the role of biology teachers in the management of laboratory equipment

iii)           To ascertain the role of student in the management of laboratory equipment

1. iv)         To examine the relationship between improvised teaching materials and student performance in biology

1.4      RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

To aid the successful completion of the study, the following research hypotheses were formulated by the researcher;

H0: poor management of laboratory equipment does not have any effect on student academic performance in biology.

H1: poor management of laboratory equipment does have an effect on student academic performance in biology.

1.5      SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

It is believed that at the completion of the study, the findings will be of great importance to the management of secondary schools in the appointment and employment of a qualified personnel to man the affairs of the biology laboratory, the study will also be useful to biology student, as the also have a significant role to play in the management of biology laboratory, the study will also be of great importance to researcher who intend to embark on a study on a similar topic as the study will guide them and serve as reference point to further studies. Finally, the study will be of importance to students, teachers, lecturers, academia’s and the general public as the study will contribute to the pool of existing literature.

1.6      SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The scope of the study covers an investigative study on the views of biology students on the problems of laboratory management and safety in secondary schools. In the cause of the study, there were some factors which militate against the scope of the study. The study is limited to secondary school students in Agege, LGA, Lagos.

1. a) AVAILABILITY OF RESEARCH MATERIAL:The research material available to the researcher is insufficient, thereby limiting the study
2. b) TIME:The time frame allocated to the study does not enhance wider coverage as the researcher has to combine other academic activities and examinations with the study.
3. c) Organizational privacy: Limited Access to the selected auditing firm makes it difficult to get all the necessary and required information concerning the activities.

1.7 OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS

Management

Management is the administration of an organization, whether it is a business, a not-for-profit organization, or government body.

Laboratory

A laboratory is a facility that provides controlled conditions in which scientific or technological research, experiments, and measurement may be performed

Laboratory apparatus

The laboratory apparatus depends upon the type of laboratory you are in and the experiment you are going to perform.

1.8 ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY

This research work is organized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as follows

Chapter one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the (overview, of the study), historical background, statement of problem, objectives of the study, research hypotheses, significance of the study, scope and limitation of the study, definition of terms and historical background of the study. Chapter two highlights the theoretical framework on which the study is based, thus the review of related literature. Chapter three deals on the research design and methodology adopted in the study. Chapter four concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding.  Chapter five gives summary, conclusion, and recommendations made of the study.

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