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Paul John D. Tiangco, National University, PhilippinesAbstract
The growing demand for STEM professionals underscores the importance of effective laboratory-based instruction in senior high school science education. This descriptive–correlational study investigated the perceptions, confidence, and motivations of 465 Grade 12 STEM students from NU Fairview, Inc. toward face-to-face chemistry laboratory activities, with particular emphasis on the role of gender and academic specialization. Data was collected through a structured survey instrument and analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Findings indicate that students generally perceive chemistry laboratory work as an essential and engaging component of learning. Positive engagement was strongly associated with hands-on experimentation, peer collaboration, instructor support, and the perceived relevance of laboratory tasks to real-life and future careers. While students reported high confidence in basic laboratory procedures and safety practices, comparatively lower confidence was observed in higher-order skills such as problem-solving, data analysis, and interpretation of results. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in perceptions, confidence, or motivation when grouped by gender, suggesting an inclusive laboratory learning environment. However, academic specialization significantly influenced students’ levels of engagement and self-assessed performance, particularly in laboratory tasks aligned with their chosen STEM track, such as Allied Health or Engineering. The study recommends strengthening instructional strategies that emphasize analytical thinking and data interpretation, improving time management during laboratory sessions, and contextualizing experiments to align with students’ academic specializations. These findings provide practical insights for educators aiming to enhance chemistry laboratory pedagogy and better prepare students for future STEM pathways.
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Conference: ACE2025Stream: Learning Experiences
This paper is part of the ACE2025 Conference Proceedings (View)
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To cite this article:
Tiangco P. (2026) Chemistry Laboratory Engagement: STEM Students’ Perceptions, Confidence, and Career Aspirations ISSN: 2186-5892 – The Asian Conference on Education 2025: Official Conference Proceedings (pp. 1137-1147) https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2186-5892.2026.89
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2186-5892.2026.89
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