Profiles of Science Teachers Competency in Managing Laboratory Activities at Secondary School: A Survey Study

Abstract

In this study, the competency profile of science teachers mainly in managing laboratory was explored Based on Indonesian National Competency Work Standards (SKKNI). The qualitative research was done involving 143 science teachers who filled out questionnaires related to self-confidence in the competence of managing the laboratory. Interviews with several teachers and analysis of documents for laboratory managers in several countries were also conducted to deepen analysis related to teacher competency needs. The result shows some weaknesses of science teachers in managing laboratory, such as laboratory quality document management, laboratory waste management, classification and handling chemicals as well as basic science laboratory skills. Moreover, in Indonesia context, the Ministry of Education itself has not developed a standardized framework on the competence of science education laboratory managers. Meanwhile, the Indonesian Industrial Ministry has developed a framework of basic laboratory competencies for industrial and testing laboratories. The study provides the effort to develop competency standards for school science laboratory managers and its CPD.