Experimental skills are essential for students to engage in authentic scientific inquiry, including designing experiments, making accurate measurements, and interpreting results. These skills contribute significantly to developing scientific reasoning, problem-solving, and critical thinking. This study explores the perspectives of physics teachers in UAE government schools regarding the teaching and learning experimental skills, identifying both the benefits and the challenges involved. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combines qualitative data from interviews with experienced physics teachers and quantitative data from structured questionnaires to comprehensively understand the topic. Findings confirm that experimental activities enhance students' conceptual understanding, analytical thinking, and ability to connect theory with practice. Teachers emphasized that students' engagement and learning outcomes improve when they are trained to plan and execute experiments independently. However, several constraints were reported, including students' technical difficulties, conceptual misunderstandings, limited access to well-equipped laboratories, and insufficient lab time. These factors hinder the development of practical skills. The study also highlights the growing potential of digital tools such as virtual labs and simulations. Teachers observed that technology can help mitigate resource limitations and provide flexible, interactive environments for practicing experimental methods. Based on the findings, the study recommends targeted instructional strategies, improved teacher training, better resource management, and integrating digital technologies to support experiential learning. These measures can help strengthen science education and foster students' experimental competencies, aligning with modern educational goals and preparing learners for real-world scientific challenges.

Authors:
Alya Alshehhi, United Arab Emirates University, United Arab Emirates
Shaikha AlZaabi, United Arab Emirates University, United Arab Emirates
Ahmed Qablan, United Arab Emirates University, United Arab Emirates

About the Presenter(s)
Alya Malek Alshehhi, Academic Vice Principal and Ph.D. candidate in Science Education. Interested in curriculum development and science literacy. Currently researching the representation of the history of science in UAE science textbooks.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

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