Teachers' opinions on the effective use of traditional and innovative science laboratories in secondary school science courses

The aim of this study is to determine teachers' opinions on the effective use of traditional and innovative science laboratories in secondary school science classes. A sequential mixed design was used in the study. In the quantitative dimension of the study, a survey was administered to teachers using the descriptive survey method, and science teachers' effective use of these laboratories and their tendencies were determined. The opinions of the teachers selected for the qualitative research on the effects of using these laboratories on students' learning outcomes such as achievement, interest and skills were examined in depth. The quantitative part was carried out in the fall semester of the 2022-2023 academic year with 64 Science teachers working in public secondary schools in different provinces in Turkey. The qualitative part was carried out with five teachers, at least one using each laboratory and at least one using all three laboratories together, selected according to certain criteria among these teachers. Teacher Identification Survey Form was applied for the quantitative section, and Teacher Interview Survey Form was applied for the qualitative section. In the quantitative findings of the study, the positive aspects frequently stated by teachers who use innovative (FCL and STEAM) and traditional laboratory types for these laboratories are; 'experimenting improves scientific thinking', 'studies are necessary because they provide versatile development in science'. 'Increases interest in the lesson by doing experiments', and studies are necessary because they enable us to see science-related problems'. In qualitative findings, participants who use traditional and innovative laboratories stated that the physical environment and lack of materials are a determining factor in the effective use of the laboratory. In teachers' laboratory preferences; It has been revealed that they find innovative FCL laboratories more useful due to factors such as their visual impact on student learning, their inclusion of many different fields, their compatibility with developing technology, and their ability to enable activities parallel to the student's learning level. In addition, they stated that the frequency of laboratory use depends on the availability of materials, availability of physical environment, class size, concern about teaching curriculum subjects, and the teacher's educational knowledge skills. It has been concluded that if these factors are improved positively, they can use the laboratory more efficiently. In order to eliminate these, it may be recommended that the Ministry of National Education increase the supply of physical environments and materials that support the use of innovative laboratories in more schools.