Students’ attitudes & motivation during A-level chemistry practical work (exploring and addressing the needs to enhance the students’ laboratory experience)

Abstract

This study investigates students’ attitudes and motivation during their practical work which forms an integral part of their A-level chemistry curriculum. It analyses the factors which determine the student’s engagement in learning chemistry through laboratory activities and explores students’ expectations to enhance their laboratory experience at this level of education. The research involved the design and administration of an anonymous survey to a cohort of students studying A-level chemistry in 6 different Maltese post-secondary educational institutions. The respondents represented a good cross-section of students currently preparing for the A-level chemistry exam in Malta and Gozo. Analysis of the survey confirmed evidence from literature sources suggesting that students in general found their laboratory experience as strongly motivating. Students’ attitudes were found to be positively influenced by factors such as teacher support, well-equipped laboratories and the chance to work more regularly and independently in the laboratory. On the other hand, students expressed concern on having to deal with repetitive tasks, a vast syllabus, examination-related pressures and an unfair method of assessment. They suggested that the laboratory programme needs to be revamped to address their concerns by consolidating the link between theory and practice, allowing more space for teacher-student interaction and student collaboration, and revising the assessment criteria for the practical exam. Findings of this study confirm that Maltese sixth form students share similar attitudes and motivations to their counterparts in other parts of the world. Educators and other stakeholders are therefore urged to heed students’ voices and considerations prior to deciding about any changes in policy-making and curriculum development aimed at enhancing the student’s learning experience in the subject.