The need and barriers to teaching in laboratory in college of Education, University of Garmian: case study of Biology, Chemistry and Physics Department

The experimental science is one of the human sciences that uses observation and interaction to gain its findings. Consequently, experimentation and laboratory activities make teaching more realistic and scientific through activating learners diverse senses, leading them towards developing skills, and practical learning. The methodology of the research is applied based on the objective, and descriptive-survey based on the data collection methods. This research aims to investigate the necessity and obstacles of laboratory teaching. The statistical population includes all professors and assistant instructors in physics, chemistry, and biology departments of teacher training faculty of Garmian University in the academic year of 2016-2017. The population comprised of 50 people. Due to limited number of population, all of the professors were selected as sample based on census to take part in the survey. A questionnaire was used as a measurement instrument in the study. Cronbach s Alpha was used to estimate the reliability of the questionnaire used in the study. The obtained α=0.74 attests the acceptable reliability and validity of the questionnaire. The results indicated that more than 80% of the lecturers deemed laboratory teaching necessary and agreed to phrases mentioned in the questionnaire. The second item denotes that laboratory teaching facilitates understanding. This item got the highest score (66%). Item 1 also received the second highest score (64%). It states that laboratory teaching facilitates learning. The lowest scores are attributed to questions 5 and 6 (4%). They indicate that in lecturers opinion, laboratory does not play a crucial role in growth of creativity, and learners readiness for their future jobs. As a whole, the process of laboratory teaching requires cooperation and coordination of three group interacting together, i.e. learners, teachers, and authorities. Each group can play a destructive or constructive role in education and teaching.

Keywords:

obstacles and necessities , teaching , laboratory , experimental science