Assessment of Laboratory Skills and Engagement of BSEd Students Towards the Development of Interventions for Effective Science Teaching

Abstract

This study assessed the level of the perceived laboratory skills and laboratory engagement of BSEd Major in Science students at Eastern Samar State University and examined the influence and differences between these variables as a basis for developing an intervention program. Anchored on Experiential Learning Theory, Constructivist Learning Theory, and Self-Efficacy Theory, the study employed a descriptive-correlational research design. Data were collected using a researcher-made, expert-validated questionnaire measuring laboratory skills in terms of knowledge, practical skills, confidence, and attitude, and student engagement in terms of behavioral, emotional, and cognitive dimensions. Descriptive results showed that perceived laboratory skills were generally high, with attitude rated very high. Similarly, perceived student’s laboratory engagement across behavioral, emotional, and cognitive dimensions was very high, indicating active participation, strong interest, and deep cognitive involvement in laboratory activities. Regression analysis revealed that laboratory skills significantly predicted all dimensions of perceived student’s laboratory engagement, although the direction and strength of influence varied. Attitude emerged as the most consistent and strongest predictor, while knowledge also played a significant role. Practical skills/exposure and confidence showed mixed effects, including some negative relationships across engagement dimensions. Furthermore, repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant difference among the four dimensions of laboratory skills, indicating unequal development across knowledge, practical skills, confidence, and attitude. Based on these findings, Project LENS (Laboratory Engagement and Skill Enhancement for Science Teaching) was proposed to enhance laboratory skills and sustain student engagement through targeted, structured interventions.