Assessment of Laboratory Practices using Laboratory Practice Management Template as a Tool in Colleges of Education in North West Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed Laboratory Practices using Laboratory Practice Management Template (LPMT) that would ensure high standards in laboratory practices for quality pre-service teacher production in Colleges of Education in North West Nigeria. The population for this study comprised all the lecturers and laboratory technicians in the science departments (Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Integrated Science) in seven states of North west Nigeria (N=385). Using the Research Advisers’ technique, a sample of four (4) states (61%; n=235) was selected after applying the stratified random sampling technique to determine preconceived parameters (availability of key science courses and years of existence). Using the survey research design, five (5) objectives, corresponding research questions and hypotheses formed the basis upon which a researcher-designed Science Laboratory Practice Management Template Questionnaire (SLPMTQ) was developed, vetted and administered. Responses generated from the SLPMT questionnaire were collated and analysed using the Cronbach Alpha statistics that yielded an index of 0.78. The study employed the descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation for observed responses, and inferential statistics of One-way ANOVA to test the formulated hypotheses, which were deemed significant at 0.05 alpha level. Results obtained revealed significant responses on safety protocols, equipment management practices, standard operating procedures, personnel management procedure and quality assurance technique. It was concluded that science laboratories should be operated in line with global best practices, and recommended that standard operating procedures and quality assurance techniques should be held sacrosanct for effective laboratory practices.