DefinePK

Research Objective

To explore the perceptions of teachers regarding the reduction of marks for practical/laboratory work at the secondary school level and to investigate the influence of this reduction on student learning.

Methodology

Descriptive study. Population comprised all female teachers in government girls' high schools in district Swabi. A sample of twenty female secondary school teachers was purposefully selected. Data was collected using a closed-ended questionnaire on a 3-point scale. Percentage was used for data analysis.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD;
    A["Define Research Objectives"] --> B["Identify Population: Female teachers in Govt. Girls' High Schools, Swabi"];
    B --> C["Select Sample: 20 teachers purposefully"];
    C --> D["Develop Questionnaire: Closed-ended, 3-point scale"];
    D --> E["Administer Questionnaire"];
    E --> F["Collect Data"];
    F --> G["Analyze Data: Percentage"];
    G --> H["Draw Conclusions and Recommendations"];                    

Discussion

The study highlights a strong consensus among teachers regarding the indispensable role of practical/laboratory work in science education. The reduction in marks allocated to practical work is perceived to negatively impact student engagement, learning outcomes, and the overall importance of hands-on scientific exploration. Teachers feel that this reduction diminishes their own talent and leads to the wastage of valuable lab materials. There is a clear call for an increase in practical marks to better reflect their significance.

Key Findings

- 90% of teachers believe practical/lab work is important in science subjects.
- 100% agreed it's crucial for demonstrating the anatomy of organisms and plants.
- 80% agreed that reduced practical marks may affect students' grades in SSC examinations.
- 75% believed students would take less interest in practical work due to reduced marks.
- 95% favored increasing practical marks to 25.

Conclusion

Teachers perceive practical/laboratory work as highly important for science subjects, essential for understanding biological concepts, and a driver of student interest. The reduction in marks for practical work is seen as detrimental to student grades, engagement, and the development of practical skills. A significant majority of teachers advocate for an increase in practical marks, suggesting a need for policy review to better support science education.

Fact Check

- 90% of respondents believed practical/lab work has much importance in science subjects. (Confirmed by Table 1)
- 100% of respondents agreed that practical/lab work is the only way to demonstrate the anatomy of different organisms and plants. (Confirmed by Table 2)
- 95% of respondents were in favor of increasing practical marks to 25. (Confirmed by Table 10)

Mind Map