HomeInternational Journal of Multidisciplinary: Applied Business and Education Researchvol. 6 no. 3 (2025)

Availability, Accessibility, and Teachers’ Utilization of Science Laboratory Resources in Public Secondary Schools of Ilocos Norte

Sheila Marieh Cabusor | Vida V. Antonio

Discipline: Social Sciences

 

Abstract:

Access to basic educational facilities is vital for creating an ideal learning environment. The establishment of science laboratories provides educators with essential resources to expound abstract scientific concepts, hence, improving student understanding. This study intended to assess the availability and level of utilization of science laboratory resources in Public Secondary Schools of Ilocos Norte. The study followed descriptive research methodology and purposive sampling to collect data from 198 Junior and Senior High School Science teachers. The instruments used for the study was adapted from DO # 17, s. 2017, and DO # 42, s. 2006. The results of the study indicated that in most participating schools; basic science laboratory apparatuses are highly available. However, majority of the schools are highly inadequate with advanced laboratory apparatus and laboratory chemicals. Moreover, this study revealed that most schools do not have their separate dark rooms and shower rooms. In terms of level of utilization, there is no apparatus that is Always utilized, and dark room is Never utilized. The study recommended for a nationwide or regional survey of schools to evaluate the availability of science laboratory resources and correlate this information with student performance indicators. The researchers suggest on analysing current policies on scientific education funding and resource allocation that would targets areas for enhancement and promote equal distribution of resources. These will enable the establishment of adequate science laboratories and resources in all schools to enhance the effective teaching and learning of science.



References:

  1. Abbey-Kalio, I. (2024). Laboratory Resources Availability, Accessibility and Utilization as Correlate of Chemistry Students’ Academic Achievement. Direct Research Journal of Chemistry and Material Science, 12(2), 15–19. https://doi.org/10.26765/DRJCMS3956849
  2. Abidoye, F., Adebisi, A. M., Rihanat, A. A., & Aliyu, M. Z. (2022). Availability of Laboratory Facilities on Students’ Performance in Upper Basic Schools in Kwara State, Nigeria. International Journal of Educational Research Review, 7(4), 262–267. https://doi.org/10.24331/ijere.1151372
  3. Caballes, M. E. J., Pedrita, N. J. C., Villaren, J. M., & Diquito, T. J. A. (2024). Status of Science Laboratories in Secondary Basic Education Public Schools in the Division of Davao Del Sur, Philippines. American Journal of Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, 3(1), 45–54. https://doi.org/10.54536/ajiri.v3i1.2495
  4. de Borja, J. M. A., & Marasigan, A. C. (2020). Status of science laboratory in a public junior high school. International Journal of Research Publications, 46(1). http://ijrp.org/paper-detail/959
  5. DeFeo, D. J., Bibler, A., & Gerken, S. (2020). The effect of a paired lab on course completion and grades in nonmajors introductory biology. CBE—Life Sciences Education, 19(3), ar36. https://doi.org/10.1187/cbe.20-03-0041
  6. Department of Education. (2017, April 7). DO 17, s. 2017 – Guidelines on the Provision of Science and Mathematics Equipment. https://www.deped.gov.ph/2017/04/07/do-17-s-2017-guidelines-on-the-provision-of-science-and-mathematics-equipment-for-grades-4-6-pupils-in-public-elementary-schools-and-grades-11-12-students-in-public-senior-high-sch/
  7. Duban, N., Aydoğdu, B., & Yüksel, A. (2019). Classroom teachers’ opinions on science laboratory practices. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 7(3), 772–780. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2019.070317
  8. Etiubon, R. U., & Udoh, N. M. (2020). Availability and utilization of laboratory facilities for teaching carbohydrates in senior secondary schools. International Journal of Education and Research, 8(5), 91–104. https://doi.org/10.25159/2411-5681/959
  9. Eymur, G., & Çetin, P. S. (2024). Investigating the role of an inquiry-based science lab on students’ scientific literacy. Instructional Science, 52(5), 743–760. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11251-024-09672-w
  10. Funa, A. A., & Prudente, M. S. (2021). Effectiveness of Problem-Based Learning on Secondary Students’ Achievement in Science: A Meta-Analysis. International Journal of Instruction, 14(4), 69–84. https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2021.1445a
  11. Gericke, N., Högström, P., & Wallin, J. (2022). A systematic review of research on laboratory work in secondary school. Studies in Science Education, 59(2), 245–285. https://doi.org/10.1080/03057267.2022.2090125
  12. Jofrishal, N., & Munandar, H. (2021). Analysis of problem in utilizing school laboratories in the chemistry learning. Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research. https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.210909.025
  13. Lazaro, J. M. V., & Paglinawan, J. L. (2025). Laboratory resource availability and students’ engagement in science. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science, IX(XII), 146–153. https://doi.org/10.51584/ijrias.2024.912015
  14. Lutfia, B. A., Wilujeng, I., & Zakwandi, R. (2024). The impact of problem-solving laboratory in physics learning to improve students’ science literacy ability. AIP Conference Proceedings, 3081, 020012. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0133834
  15. Mangarin, R. A., & Macayana, L. B. (2024). Why schools lack laboratory and equipment in science? Through the lens of research studies. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, VIII(X), 2835–2840. https://doi.org/10.47772/ijriss.2024.8100238
  16. Noroña, R. V. (2021). A Comparative Analysis on the Status of Laboratory Resources and Science Process Skills of Grade 11 Learners. GNOSI, 4(3), 137–147. https://www.gnosijournal.com/index.php/gnosi/article/view/135
  17. Department of Education. (2006, November 30). DO 48, s. 2006 – Observance of Safety Measures in Science Laboratories. https://www.deped.gov.ph/2006/11/30/do-48-s-2006-observance-of-safety-measures-in-science-laboratories/
  18. Nuevo, E. B. (2024). Adequacy, utilization of laboratory equipment and performance of junior high school science teachers. International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, 6(3). https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2024.v06i03.21166
  19. Pareek, R. B. (2019, April 4). An Assessment of Availability and Utilization of Laboratory facilities for Teaching Science at Secondary Level. https://www.icaseonline.net/journal/index.php/sei/article/view/126
  20. Rahman, S. M. M. (2021). Assessing and benchmarking learning outcomes of Robotics-Enabled STEM education. Education Sciences, 11(2), 84. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci11020084
  21. Sani, M. I., Mustapha, M., & Mohammed, M. B. (2024). Assessment of standards and availability of laboratory equipment in Zaria. FNAS Journal of Mathematics and Science Education, 6(1), 178–186. https://fnasjournals.com/index.php/FNAS-JMSE/article/view/605
  22. Sari, N., Sumantri, M. S., & Bachtiar, I. G. (2018). STEM-based teaching materials to increase science literacy. IJASRE, 4(7), 161–168. https://doi.org/10.31695/ijasre.2018.32808
  23. Scaradozzi, D., et al. (2021). Makers at school and educational robotics. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-77040-2.
  24. UNESCO. (2024, Feb 28). Remote Access to Lab Equipment (UNESRALE) Initiative. https://www.unesco.org/en/basic-sciences-engineering/remote-access