Journal of Social Science for Policy Implications
September 2014, Vol. 2, No. 3, pp. 61-85
ISSN: 2334-2900 (Print), 2334-2919 (Online)
Copyright © The Author(s). 2014. All Rights Reserved.
Published by American Research Institute for Policy Development
DOI: 10.15640/10.15640/jsspi.v2n3a4
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.15640/jsspi.v2n3a4
Chemical Management Practices of Basic Science Teachers
Sofia B Shah
1
& Runaaz Sharma
2
Abstract
The study investigatedlower secondary Basic Science teacher’s professional practice
with chemical management in schools. The study sample included 70 schools in the
Western VitiLevu education districts in Fiji. The participants’ practice with
chemicals in their Basic Science teaching and learning was studied. The data were
collected by questionnaire, semi structured interview, documentary analysis and
observation. A triangulation method was used to analyse the data. Results indicate
that the participants had poor understanding of chemicals and therefore displayed
unsafe handling, storage, usage and disposal practices. The participants lacked the
knowledge to sufficiently manage chemicals for their personal protection and did
not have any sensitivity of the effect of chemicals in the society.These results are
discussed in relation to the literature on chemical education, chemical management,
chemical literacy and scientific literacy more generally.
Introduction
Chemical E ducation (Chemistry) is recognized as a very important school
subject and its significance in scientific and technological development cannot be
overemphasized (AdesojiandOlatunbosun, 2008).Chemistry forms an important
component in the Basic Science curriculum and then later in the upper secondaryit is
made a core subject among the natural sciences and other science related courses in
Fiji as well as in many countries in the world (AdesojiandOlatunbosun, 2008; Ministry
of Education (MoE), 1997, and Emovon, 1985).
1
Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences, College of E ngineering, Science and Technology Fiji National University
2
Department of Primary E ducation, School of E ducation, College of Humanities and E ducation,Fiji National University