2.2.1 The goals of Laboratory experiences
Laboratories have a number of goals for students. Most of these goals are also the goals of science educations in general. (Lunetta, 1998; Hofstein and Lunetta, 1982). These goals can vary however the core set is generally consistent. These goals were reviewed then discussed, a list of goals and desired outcomes for laboratory experiences was compiled (Anderson, 1976; Hofstein and Lunetta, 1982; Shulman and Tamir, 1973; Lazarowitz and Tamir, 1994).
• To enhance the mastery of a subject. – The experiences may enhance a student’s comprehension and understand of concepts and facts.
• To Develop Scientific reasoning – These laboratory experiences can help develop …show more content…
These laboratory experiences that are generally isolated from any flow of instruction and therefore have no evidence to back up claims that they aid in the learning of any content of a scientific nature (Hofstein and Lunetta, 1982, 2004; Lazarowitz and Tamir, 1994).
2.2.4 Development of investigative skills
Research on development of investigative skills has shown the possibility that students can learn certain aspects of scientific reasoning using laboratory instruction (Reif and St. John, 1979, cited in Hofstein and Lunetta, 1982).
However recent research has shown that during Laboratories Teaches tend to prioritise procedures in laboratories rather than discussion for how to plan an investigation or to interpret the results that laboratories findings have given (Tobin, 1987). Therefore it may be beneficial to encourage the design and interpretation of the laboratories to encourage the development of this skills.
This is because Average Laboratories appear to have a low impact on improving more complex aspects related to scientific reasoning. This can include the capacity of students to find their own research questions and to then design experiments and drawing conclusions from the data observed then use these conclusions to make inferences (Klopfer, 1990, cited in White, …show more content…
These team working skills are now seen as an essential skill for workers in any