The Quantity and Quality of Biology Laboratory Work in British Columbia High Schools.

The purpose of this study was to survey the quantity and quality of laboratory work conducted by Grade 11 and 12 biology students in British Columbia High Schools, to analyze student performance on laboratory based questions on Provincial examinations, and to examine the curriculum for recommended laboratory work. Examination and curriculum data were extracted from Ministry of Education documents. Survey data were used to generate statistics on school demographics, teachers, laboratory work, use of technology, and constraints of the provincial curriculum and examination. Findings indicate that the frequency of laboratory work was low overall with quantitative activities much less frequent than qualitative, and laboratory exercises being confirmatory rather than investigative. Although laboratories were equipped adequately, teachers indicated that the curriculum and provincial examination limit the scope for an inquiry-based course. An analysis of examination results showed that the frequency and type of laboratory work had no effect on scores on lab-based questions. Analysis revealed that fewer laboratory activities are being conducted than are recommended in the course outline. Contains 14 references. (RH)