Enhancement of School Students’ Interest in, and Attitude toward Science by Training Their Teachers on Effective Delivery of Practical Activities

Abstract

In this paper we report on enhancing students’ attitude toward and interest in science by training teachers on Effective Practical Delivery in science. Teachers from 17 schools in Qatar, among them 24 secondary school teachers teaching grade 11, and 11 preparatory school teachers teaching grade 8, were enrolled in two, independent, extended training courses (four hours per week for 16 to 18 weeks) on delivery of practical science lessons. Each course was designed to train teachers on delivering practical activities aligned with science curriculum standards, in a way that allowed teachers to practice each activity during the training before delivery to their students. Teachers would then reflect on their teaching and discuss feedback with their trainers and colleagues in the subsequent training session.Evaluation of the program was based on Trainees’ performances, student performance and measurement of students’ attitudes toward science before and after training. Results suggest a notable and significant change in the skills, knowledge and confidence of teachers in delivery of practicals in their science classes as reflected by results from tests and observations. This paper will focus on the measurement of secondary school trainees’ students’ attitude toward science before and after training.  Main findings using t-test show: ·         Very significant increase in attitude of trainees’ students after training (p <0.0001) ·         No significant change in control schools’ students over the same period (p 0.78 - 0.86) ·         Male students show higher attitude & higher self-efficacy than female students toward practical part of science and future science career but no significant difference in attitude toward science in general.