Scientific Labs Environment in Sultan Kaboos University from the Perspective of Teacher – Students Specialized in Science a According to Gender and Specialization Variables

Abstract

The study aimed at investigating the Sultan Qaboos University laboratory environment as prospected by science student teachers. A Science Laboratory Environment Inventory has been administered to 61 students enrolled in the College of Education (Science Education) in the year 2008/2009. The instrument validity had been verified through a panel of judges, whereas the reliability coefficient of internal consistency was (0.72). The findings revealed the followings: - The students highly prospect the science laboratory environment, with the following rank (Materials and Equipment, Clear Information, Collaboration of Theory and Practice, Students-Students and Students-Mentors interactions, open-ended tasks). - There were no significant differences in students’ prospects with respect to gender (in exception of Materials and Equipment in favor of female and Open-ended Tasks in favor of male students. - There were no significant differences in students’ prospects with respect to student’s major (in exception of Materials and Equipment in favor of Chemistry & Physics students and Open-ended Tasks in favor of Biology students. Accordingly, the researchers had drawn a number of recommendations.