Insufficiency of science laboratory equipment/apparatus: the struggles of science teachers in the implementation of laboratory works and activities

Abstract

This phenomenological study focuses on illuminating the experiences of science teachers in the implementation of laboratory works and activities with insufficient laboratory equipment/apparatus. Studies revealed that the insufficiency of science laboratory equipment/apparatus brought adverse effects to science teachers. Hence, to gather more experiences and insights about the phenomena, the researchers conducted a qualitative study using in-depth interviews with the twelve (12) science teachers that were purposely selected. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze and generate major themes from the transcript of the in-depth interview. On the experiences of the participants, five essential themes were generated, to wit: enjoyable and challenging as teachers experienced excitement and difficulties in teaching science; pressure because of students’ expectations; guilt and disappointment as activities were not realized due to scarcity of materials; insufficiency hampers the completion of the lesson; and on the positive note, these difficulties unveil teacher’s creativity. Nevertheless, the participants dealt with the problem through the preparation of well-tailored lessons, improvisation of equipment/apparatus, utilization of localized and indigenized materials, personal acquisition of materials, integration of technology, borrowing of resources from other teachers, and giving group assignments. Thus, resourcefulness and creativity, consultation and collaboration with colleagues, learning and exploring unceasingly, patience and dedication, and allocation of budget for equipment are valuable insights from the science teachers.