Evaluation of a practical component of the biology course of the Basic University Science Course Experimental Project at Universidade Eduardo Mondlane in Maputo

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.