CHAPTER – I

1.1. INTRODUCTION:

In Junior Colleges there are more than 100 students in each division. In some divisions

the number of students goes upto 125.

Junior College students in Science Stream have to perform experiments in the laboratory

besides attending lectures. They have to perform physics, chemistry and Biology

practicals. Duration of this practical session is 4 lectures.

In chemistry laboratory students have to perform all practicals standing. They have to put

apron. They have to work only with exhaust fans. Fan if any cannot be switched on as

students work with gas burners.

In chemistry practicals students perform various experiments using chemicals. There is

evolution of fumes of various gases making the atmosphere very polluting.

In such an atmosphere due to large number of students in each division students

inadvertently brush against each other, if they are handling concentrated chemicals

serious injuries could result in the laboratory.

Over crowding in the chemistry laboratory causes problems for students as well teachers.

I have been teaching chemistry in Junior College since 1984. Previously the number of

students in each class were upto 80.

At present number of students are about 120 in each division.

In chemistry laboratory four teachers are there fore one class. Which makes batch size of

30. Previously teachers had to manage only 20 students. At that time both teachers and

students were comfortable, there was enough student teacher interaction.

Crowding in chemistry laboratory gives rise to many problems. Students do not sufficient

freedom for movement which is required in the lab as students have more in the

laboratory for access of chemicals.

Students are very uncomfortable working in crowded laboratory. In every practicals there

are students who come to us for headache and giddiness.

Ventilation is another problem in chemistry laboratory.

In crowded laboratory teachers cannot give attention to large batch of students. Students

may take undue advantage of teacher’s lack of attention to play some pranks, loading to

general mayhem in the laboratory.

NEED OF STUDY

The purpose of this research is to study the problems faced by students of Kirti College

while working in crowded chemistry laboratory and to provide guidelines to both

students and teachers for safety measures in chemistry laboratory so that learning

environment becomes safe and comfortable for students in chemistry laboratory.

1.3 IMPORTANCE

Overcrowding in chemistry laboratory where chemicals and kept and used should be

safety concern for both teachers and students.

Overcrowding could result in liability problem for teachers if there is an accident.

1.4 TITLE OF RESEARCH

“PROBLEMS FACED BY JUNIOR COLLEGE STUDENTS OF KIRTI COLLEGE

DURING CHEMISTRY PRACTICALS DUE TO OVERCROWDING”

1.5: OPERATIONAL DEFINITION:

Quite often we hear that problem clearly stated is half solved. This statement signifies the

need for defining the problem. A proper definition of research problem will enable the

researcher to be on track where as ill defined may create hurdles.

Thus, defining research problem is pre requisite for any study and is a step of highest

importance. In fact formulation of problem is more important than its solution.

Definition:

Problem faced by students during chemistry practicals if number of students exceeds the

capacity of that place to a great extent.

1.6: OBJECTIVES:

Health and safety concern:

Science teachers sense that overcrowded conditions in science laboratories contribute to

lab accidents. Overcrowding in laboratories major contributing factor to the safety
problem chemistry department face today.

Academic concerns:

In Chemistry laboratories Students have to deal with dangerous chemicals like sulphuric
acid and practicals require a high degree of students teacher interaction. The fever the
number of students per batch, the greater the opportunity for students to ask question and
teachers can clarify the procedures and develop their reasoning skills. If the number of
students are more student teacher interaction becomes less, students do not get personal
attention.

Discipline problem:

Over crowding in lab may increase indiscipline problem. Teachers can not give total
attention to large batch of students. Students may take undue advantage of teacher’s lack
of attention to play some pranks, this leads to general mayhem in the laboratory.

Health problems:

In the chemistry laboratory since students have to work with chemicals, where fumes of
various gases are evolved which are harmful and overcrowding aggravates the problem.
1.7: AIMS:

1. To study the problems faced by students during practicals in chemistry

laboratory.

2. To find solutions to the problems faced by students during the working in

chemistry laboratory.

3. To make the functioning of chemistry laboratory more efficient.

1.8: HYPOTHESIS:

One of the important steps in any research is formulation of hypothesis. A hypothesis

may be defined as a proposition or a set of proposition set forth as an explanation for the

occurrence of some specified group of phenomena either asserted merely as a provisional

conjecture to guide some investigation or accepted as highly probable in the light of

established facts. For my action research following hypothesis has been formulated.

1. “OVER CROWDING IN CHEMISTRY LABORATORY IS THE MAJOR

CAUSE OF ACCIDENTS IN THE LABORATORY”.

2. “OVER CROWDING IN CHEMISTRY LABORATORIES IS THE CAUSE OF

HEALTH PROBLEMS AMONG STUDENTS.”

1.9: SCOPE AND LIMITATION:

1. The study is carried out only with 50 science students of Kirti College and

interview with incharge of Chemistry Dept. of Kirti College.

2. The study is carried out in very short time.

3. The study can be carried out with students of other colleges.

CHAPTER 2:

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE IN INDIA:

After visiting SNDT library Juhu I read books on safely in chemistry laboratory, and
related topic I read thesis on the subject “Management of Chemistry Laboratories of
Vartak College” Vasai. The researcher in her thesis has emphasized on the importance of
sufficient space for each student in chemistry laboratory.