2007 Volume 3 Pages 11-
The purposes of this research were to investigate the changes in the experimental skills and scientific ability of students as applied to a laboratory class in undergraduate course, and to examine the effects of teacher's guidance on the experimental knowledge and ability of the students. The results of this study are as follows: (1) Almost all students had observed the cells and plant tissues as well as plant cell mitosis using a microscope at the secondary level. On the other hand, many students had not experienced during school some laboratory activities such as fish dissection, detection of human blind spot, and observation of the respiratory movement of fish gills. The effects on the students of those activities that were novel were greater than those of previously experienced activities. (2) The students evaluated their own skills and ability after performing the laboratory activities. As the post-test score was significantly higher than the pre-test score for experimental skills, this laboratory class was shown to be effective in enhancing students' experimental skills. (3) The contents and evaluation method of this laboratory class were validated through the performance of the students. “Biological Experiment for Junior High School Science Teachers” may helps students enhance their experimental skills and scientific ability necessary for teaching biology at the junior high school level.