We Couldn't Conduct the Science Experiments! A Case Study from the Perspectives of Teachers, Students, and School Administrators
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The aim of this study is to determine the extent to which experimental activities are implemented in science courses and to examine the reasons why experiments cannot be conducted, based on the views of students, teachers, and school administrators. The study employed an intrinsic case study design, a qualitative research method. It was conducted in ten randomly selected middle schools in a city in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Türkiye. Data were collected from 10 school principals, 15 science teachers, and 20 students. The findings showed that teachers, students, and administrators shared similar views regarding the challenges of conducting experiments. The most frequently reported barriers were inadequate infrastructure, lack of materials, safety concerns, and disciplinary problems. Teachers identified low motivation, insufficient guidance, heavy workload, and limited time as major obstacles. Students reported that their low levels of responsibility, lack of prior knowledge, and insufficient laboratory-use competencies adversely affected the process. In addition, the exam-oriented education system was found to restrict the time allocated to experimental activities. School administrators also highlighted the absence of a systematic monitoring mechanism. Based on these findings, several recommendations were proposed to support the sustainability of experimental activities.
Authors: Gülşah Gürkan, Mehmet Akif Arduç
Institutions: Turgut Özal University, Mi̇lli̇ Eği̇ti̇m Bakanliği
Language: Turkish
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7172382442