A study of the extent to which the methods,procedures and processes of science have been successful in the senior secondary schools of Sri Lanka

Abstract

The aim of t h i s study i s to assess the methods, processes and procedures of Science Education i n the Secondary Schools of S r i Lanka. To study these aspects the writer used the Wisconsin Inventory of Science Processes, administered a test on investigation of s c i e n t i f i c attitudes and interviewed teachers and students. Science i s here taken to mean not only knowledge, but also processes, procedures and methods. In short these are the methods adopted by the scientists. I t i s the usual pract i c e in a l l science classes to impart knowfedge, but i t i s accepted throughout the world that i n every science lesson, the s p i r i t of science w i l l have to be inculcated in the students. However as what i s taught in school i s d i r e c t l y linked to the examination, teachers tend to teach what i s expected of the examining authority. The Department of Examinations always tests the knowledge component only. Although every science curriculum stresses the process and products of science, teachers tend to neglect them as these are never tested by Examination Department. This study attempts to f i nd out to what extent the students have acquired the process, procedures and methods of science,, Lack of validated instruments to assess the process, procedures and methods of science, i s a drawback i n the S ri Lankan context.