Effects of laboratory experiements on the learning of science by visually impared pupils: the case of Magwero Basic and Katete Integrated Schools

This study investigated effects of laboratory experiments on the learning of
science subjects by visually impaired pupils for grade nine (9) and twelve
(12)pupils in the two selected schools (Magwero school for the Blind and Katete
integrated Boarding school) in Eastern Province of Zambia. Data was analyzed by
describing and explaining results from laboratory experiments and sixty (60)
responses were analyzed using tables, graphs, means and percentages. The study results show that lack of vision, teaching and learning resources, poor or absence of laboratory infrastructures and lack of science trained and specialist teachers contributed to poor performance of the visually impaired students in laboratory experiments in the two (special and integrated) schools. The study revealed that the visually impaired pupils had problems in determining concreteness and unifying experiences of ordinary materials and apparatus used in laboratory experiments. As a result of the above findings the author made these recommendations:
1. The Ministry of Education should increase funding for special education from
ten (10%) percent to forty (40%) percent.
2. The Ministry of Education should renovate and build laboratorie.
3. The Ministry of Education should train non-special education teachers and specialist teachers in braille and science respectively.
4. Teachers of science should modify the existing ordinary materials to suit the visually impaired pupils.