Commenting on effective laboratory teaching in selected preparatory schools, North Shewa Zone, Ethiopia

The present study assessed the challenges to implement laboratory teaching in selected Preparatory Schools, North Shewa Zone. The result of this study showed that although laboratories for each subjects were present (100%) in all districts, lack of professional skills (50% in biology, 64.5% in chemistry and 61.5% physics), lack of materials (78.6% in biology, 64.7% in chemistry and 65.4% in physics) and lack of chemicals (75%, in biology, 58.8% in chemistry and 46.2% in physics) were the main challenges to implement effective laboratory teaching. The average numbers of students per laboratory session were 46-55, which was very large size to teach in practical session. Students had interest (strong in all subjects) to learn practically, but 75% of biology and chemistry, and 62.5% of physics laboratory activities were not done. The government look forward that the laboratory activities recommended in the text were not well manipulated and laboratory doing was for the sake of doing. Priority must be given for preparatory school laboratory teaching.   Key words: Biology, chemistry, laboratory teaching, physics, preparatory schools.