Level of Knowledge on Science Laboratory Aspects and Laboratory Readiness Among Elementary Education Pre-service Teachers: Outline Basis for Laboratory Manual Development
Abstract
Science teachers must possess robust laboratory skills to facilitate effective hands-on learning and inquiry-based instruction. This study assessed the level of laboratory knowledge and readiness among 64 elementary education pre-service teachers at President Ramon Magsaysay State University – San Marcelino to develop a foundational outline for a laboratory manual. Utilizing a quantitative descriptive-developmental design, data were collected from second to fourth-year respondents through instruments evaluating tool functions, safety protocols, and perceived readiness.
Results indicated that while knowledge of laboratory safety was "satisfactory" (M=16.40), proficiency in tool functions was only "slightly satisfactory" (M=11.56), with 38% of respondents failing to meet basic expectations. Participants generally perceived themselves as "ready" to manage activities and utilize equipment; however, statistical analysis showed no significant relationship between theoretical knowledge and practical readiness (p=.552). Academic year level was a significant factor in safety knowledge (p=.018), while gender showed no significant impact across all variables. The findings underscore a critical gap in technical competency, leading to the development of a laboratory manual outline designed to standardize and enhance the laboratory proficiency of future educators.
How to Cite This Article
Marshall James P Dantic, Ashlygail M Aguillon, Eunice Adriana Asuncion, Leizl B Cacho, Isabel C Tan, Jennelyn Rolls A Jaballa (2026). Level of Knowledge on Science Laboratory Aspects and Laboratory Readiness Among Elementary Education Pre-service Teachers: Outline Basis for Laboratory Manual Development . International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation (IJMRGE), 7(3), 710-717 .
References
- . This output will serve as a basis for the development of laboratory manual. Conclusions
- 1. Most of the respondents are 4 th year female elementary education students.
- 2. The average score for Elementary Pre-Service Teachers in laboratory tools and equipment usage is slightly satisfactory, with 38% not meeting expectations. However, 46% have satisfactory knowledge of laboratory safety, with 22% scoring very satisfactory.
- 3. The respondents were ready in managing laboratory activities or experiments, utilizing laboratory tools, and addressing laboratory accidents.
- 4. Based from the results it found no significant difference in knowledge levels of laboratory tools and equipment usage based on year level and sex variables, indicating the null hypothesis. However, there was a significant difference in knowledge on laboratory safety precautions based on year level variables.
- 5. The study found no significant difference in readiness for laboratory activities management, tool utilization, or addressing accidents based on year level and sex variables, indicating the null hypothesis.
- 6. The study found a weakly negative correlation between laboratory knowledge and readiness of Elementary PreService Teachers, indicating a low likelihood of higher knowledge and readiness. Recommendations Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are proposed to address the problems and may provide solutions:
- 1. To the Department of College of Teacher Education to focus Teaching Science on laboratory activities and practices for familiarization.
- 2. To enhance the laboratory activities and experiments by utilizing laboratory tools.
- 3. To incorporate laboratory safety precautions on demonstration teaching in Teaching Science in the Primary and Intermediate Grades.
- 4. To the next researchers to include High School experimentations experiences of Elementary Pre-Service Teachers whether they graduated from public or private school as their variable.
- 5. To enrich the knowledge of Elementary Pre-Service Teachers in laboratory uses of tools and equipment.
- 6. To conduct a training workshops to Pre-service Elementary teachers about laboratory activities
- 7. Conduct an in-depth and related studies about laboratory aspects and readiness. References
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