Factor Analysis of the Aims of Observation and Experiment Activities

Abstract

In order to clarify the aims of observation and experiment activities, a survey was carried out. The survey asked the three questions below. A questionnaire method was used. The questionnaire was composed of 16 items. 366 elementary school teachers and 255 junior high school teachers took part in this survey. Factor analysis was used to clarify the aims of observation and experiment activities. Questions (1) What factors can be seen from elementary teachers' responses ? (2) What factors can be seen from junior high school teachers' responses ? (3) What relationships can be seen between elementary school and junior high school teachers ? The results are summarized below. (1) Two factors were identified in elementary teachers' responses. Factor 1 concerns problem-solving skills and acquiring principles & law, whilst factor 2 concerns humanity. (2) Three factors were identified in junior high school teachers' responses. They were problem-solving skills (factor 3), acquiring principles & laws (factor 4), and humanity (factor 5). (3) Factor 1 corresponds to factors 3 and 4. Factor 2 corresponds to factor 5. There are some differences between elementary school and junior high school teachers.