El laboratorio en la enseñanza de las cienciasuna visión integral en este complejo ambiente de aprendizaje

Abstract

This work is a general documental review about the problematic situation of science laboratory teaching and learning, oriented toward the area of chemistry. The purpose of this work is threefold: (a) to show a present-day vision about the problem; (b) to offer useful information for future research; and (c) to promote refl ection on our teaching practice in the science laboratory. It is based on the review of numerous and important literature sources: research articles, critical opinion articles and review articles, besides specialized books. The information was organized around seven relevant aspects, considered important by the authors: (a) a historical look at the teaching of chemistry laboratory (b) the goals of laboratory works, (c) laboratory teaching approaches or styles, (d) the effectiveness of laboratory work, (e) conceptions about the nature of science, (f) laboratory teaching with an epistemological approach, and (g) assessment using V diagrams and concept maps.