ELLENA PROPOSAL POWER POINT TEMPLATE - Proposal.pptx

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1. TOPIC: “Assessing the Availability and Utilization of Laboratory Equipment in Combined Secondary Schools: A Study on Resource Adequacy and Educational Impact." BY   ELLEN MALILWE   ID: 2021011328   SUPERVISOR: MR. NDOVORWI

2. Background of the Study 1.1 Background of the Study Laboratory equipment plays a crucial role in the teaching and learning of science subjects in secondary schools. In Zambia, science education is emphasized as a means to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students. “The government's commitment to improving science education is evident in various educational policies, such as the Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP) and the Education and Skills Sector Plan ( ESSP ), which emphasize the need for well-equipped laboratories in schools to enhance the quality of education.” (Education, Educational and Skills Sector Plan 2017-2021

3. Statement of the Problem Despite the recognized importance of laboratory equipment in science education, many combined secondary schools in Zambia continue to face challenges related to the adequacy and proper utilization of these resourses

4. Purpose of the Study The purpose of this study is to assess the availability and utilization of laboratory equipment in combined secondary schools in Zambia. The study seeks to evaluate the adequacy of these resources in supporting effective science education and to understand how the availability of laboratory equipment impacts educational outcomes in these schools.

5. Main objectives To evaluate the adequacy of laboratory equipment in selected combined secondary schools. To examine the extent to which available laboratory equipment is utilized in the teaching of science subjects. To investigate the challenges faced by teachers and students in using laboratory equipments

6. Main Research Questions The study seeks to answer the following research questions: What is the current state of laboratory equipment availability in combined secondary schools? What challenges do teachers and students face in using laboratory equipment? 3. How does the adequacy and utilization of laboratory resources impact students' academic performance in science subjects?

7. Conceptual/ Theoretical framework The theoretical framework for this study integrates theories related to resource management, educational effectiveness, and experiential learning. 2.2.1 Educational Resource Management Theory 2.2.2 Constructivist Learning Theory 2.2.3 Instructional Effectiveness Theory

8. Conceptual framework CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK LABORATORY EQUIPMENT AVAILABILITY LABORATORY EQUIPMENT UTILIZATION SCIENCE EDUCATION QUALITY EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES INPUT PROCESS IMMEDIATE OUTCOME FINAL IMPACT

9. Significance of the Study This study will contributes to the body of knowledge on science education in Zambia by providing empirical data on the availability and utilization of laboratory equipment in combined secondary schools.

10. Delimitation of the Study 1.10.1 Geographic Scope 1.10.2 Educational Level 1.10.3 Subject Focus 1.10.4 Time Frame 1.10.5 Participants 1.10.6 Data Sources 1.10.7 Exclusion Criteria

11. Limitation of the Study 1.9.1 Limited Geographic Scope 1.9.2 Resource Constraints 1.9.3 Reliance on Self-Reported Data 1.9.4 Variability in Laboratory Equipment 1.9.5 Teacher and Student Competency 1.9.6 Time Constraints

12. LITERATURE REVIEW Empirical studies on World/Africa/Local View Author Country Title Findings Research Gap Schmidt (2014) USA The Role of Teaching Resources in Improving Instruction Well-resourced science laboratories lead to higher student achievement in science subjects Schmidt (2014) focuses more on the availability of equipment and does not address the adverse effects of underutilization. Muwanga- Zake (2013) Uganda The Role of Laboratory Facilities in Secondary School Science Education in Uganda. Schools with limited laboratory facilities struggled to provide practical science experiences, leading to lower student engagement and understanding. Muwanga- Zake (2013) focuses more on unavailability and does not address underutilization in the well-resourced science laboratories, causes a gap in identifying root causes of underutilization. Kunda (2019) Zambia Laboratory Resources and Their Impact on Science Education in Zambia “A substantial number of secondary schools in Zambia lack the necessary equipment for conducting practical science experiments, impacting students' ability to engage in hands-on learning Kunda (2019) only provides a snapshot of the current state of laboratory equipment in schools without giving longitudinal studies that track changes over time, particularly as policies and educational reforms are implemented.

13. RESEARCH GAP In the comprehensive review of existing literature on the availability and utilization of laboratory equipment in secondary schools, several critical gaps have been identified that this research aims to address. Limited Research in Combined Secondary Schools Regional Disparities in Resource Availability Focus on Utilization over Availability Impact on Educational Outcome Teacher and Student Perspectives

14. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Research Design: The research employs a mixed-methods approach involving both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Location of the study: The research is broadly based on Lusaka Province.In three selected schools combined schools .

15. Target Population: The target population consists of secondary schools in Zambia, focusing on both urban and rural areas to ensure a representative sample. The study aims to include a diverse range of schools, including public and private institutions, to capture a broad perspective on laboratory equipment availability and utilization. Sample Size of the study For the quantitative component, a sample of approximately 3-5 secondary schools will be targeted, while the qualitative component will involve a smaller, focused sample of about 2-3 schools. Within these schools, approximately 15-20science teachers and 150-200 students will be sampled.

16. Sampling procedure: Stratified Random Sampling, Sampling Frame, Simple Random Sampling, Purposeful Sampling, In-Depth Interviews and Focus Groups. Instruments for Data Collection: The study will use a combination of instruments to collect data for both quantitative and qualitative components. The instruments include structured questionnaires, semi-structured interview guides, and focus group discussion guides.

17. Data Collection Procedure: Pre-Testing and Pilot Study Distribution of Questionnaires Administration Collection Interviews Focus Groups Documentation Timeline Pilot Testing: All data collection instruments will be pilot-tested with a small sample of participants to assess their clarity, reliability, and validity. Feedback from the pilot test will be used to make necessary revisions. Expert Review: The instruments will be reviewed by experts in educational research and science education to ensure they effectively address the research questions and objectives. Reliability and Validity: Measures will be taken to ensure the reliability and validity of the instruments, including using established scales where applicable and conducting thorough testing and revisions.

18. Data Analysis: This section outlines the methods and procedures for analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data in the study on laboratory equipment in secondary schools. 3.8.2 Quantitative Data Analysis 3.8.5 Qualitative Data Analysis 3.8.6 Data Interpretation and Reporting Ethical Considerations 3.5.2 Informed Consent 3.5.3 Confidentiality and Anonymity 3.5.4 Voluntary Participation 3.5.5 Risk and Benefit Assessment 3.5.6 Ethical Approval 3.5.7 Data Handling and Reporting

19. REFERENCES R eferences Adedeji, T. A. (2016). Impact of Laboratory Resources on Students' Academic Performance in Science Subjects in Nigeria. Journal of Educational Research and Reviews , 47-55. Adesoji , F. A. (2018). Teachers' Perceptions and Utilization of LAboratory Resources in Secondary Schools. Journal of Education and Practice , 76-85. Chileshe , M. (2021). The Role of Laboratory Equipment in Science Education: A Case Study of Secondary Schools in Lusaka Province. International Journal of Education Research , 45-58. Muwanga- Zake , J. (2013). The Role of Laboratory Facilities in Secondary School Science Education in Uganda. Journal of Science Education and Technology , 453-463. Mwale, B. (2021). Utilization of Science Laboratory Equipment in Zamian Secondary Schools. Journal of Science and Technology Education , 67-82.

20. Time line S/N Activity Responsible person Time frame Comment/remarks 1 Research proposal writing Ellena Malilwe July 23, 2024 to August 15, 2024     2 Preparation and pretesting of the study tool Ellena Malilwe August 30, 2024 to September 26, 2024   3 Presenting semi-structure schedule and focused group discussion to Teachers, Administrators and Learners Ellena Malilwe September 2024   4 Data collection and entry Ellena Malilwe Sep-Oct 2024   5 Data analysis and research report writing Ellena Malilwe Oct-Dec 2024  

21. Research budget and activities # Activity Amount 1 Typing, Printing, Photocopying & Binding K585 2 2 Reams of Paper and Pens K160 3 Transport K250 4 Refreshments K200 5 Contingency K305 Total Amount K1,500

22. Thank you