Evaluation of a practical component of the biology course of the Basic University Science Course Experimental Project at Universidade Eduardo Mondlane in Maputo
Date
1997
Authors
Cossa, Eugenia, Flora, Rosa
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine whether the goals of the practical component
of the cytology section of the biology course at Basic University Science Course
Experimental Project (BUSCEP) at Universidade Eduardo Mondlane in Maputo were
being achieved. Two kinds of instruments were used in this study. They were (i) a written
practical test and (ii) an observation schedule (checklist I and II). A total of 41 first year
biology students of the BeSCEP course were involved in the study. The written practical
test determined whether the students had mastered the knowledge of the parts of the
microscope and their functions and whether they had understood how to use the
microscope. Checklist I tested whether the students had mastered the physical skills
necessary to operate a light microscope correctly. Checklist II tested whether the students
had mastered the skills needed to prepare a wet mount slide.
The results revealed that the goals of the practical component of the cytology section of
the biology course at BUSCEP were not achieved. This was because most students have
problems in understanding how to use the microscope as well as in mastering the logical
sequence of the skills needed for effective use of the microscope. It is imperative that
teachers find and use effective ways of assessing laboratory activities and skills during
practicals, as this will contribute to the improvement of the BUSCEP biology course.
Description
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the
Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the
degree of Master of Science.
Keywords
Biology -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Mozambique -- Maputo., Cytology -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Mozambique -- Maputo.