'n Opleidingsmodel vir die laboratoriumassistent

Abstract

The establishment of the post of laboratory assistant in secondary schools didn't have the results which had been anticipated . The problem that caused the investigation of the circumstances concerning the laboratory assistant is founded in the following: * What should an effective training programme for a laboratory assistant be like and how can such a laboratory assistant actively participate in his own training. * An intensive investigation has been launched in connection with the guidance task of the laboratory assistant in assisting pupils with their practical work ; as well as the supporting function the laboratory assistant is required to give the natural science teacher. To provide fundamental principles on which the training of the laboratory assistant can be based for the natural science school subjects, the present availability and training of laboratory assistants in countries abroad and the R.S.A. were investigated. It was found that a certain amount of training does exist abroad, but that formal training opportunities and facilities for laboratory assistants are very sketchy or non-existant in the R.S.A. As the subjects Biology and Physics and Chemistry each contain their own peculiarities they both necessitate their own methodology. The practical approach when teaching these subjects necessitate specific fundamental principles. An attempt was made to outline the supporting role of the laboratory assistant. The problems concerning the training of laboratory assistants were identified and an attempt was also made to determine how and where the training of laboratory assistants

could be most effectively done. It was, however, imperative to ascertain the true state of affairs surrounding the laboratory assistant in the secondary school by means of empirical methods . As a result of these revealing investigations several tendencies were tabulated which throw more light on the problem. After having made a thorough study of the application of model usage in education and after having taken into consideration all the available factual knowledge, a suitable training model for laboratory assistants is now available This model for the training of laboratory assistants has been practically implemented by providing a multi media package deal which forms the basis of the training of the laboratory assistant. In conclusion the following have been arrived at : * there is a demand for a proper training programme for laboratory assistants M that the training model and multi media package deal may be used with good effect by the laboratory assistants of secondary schools * self-training by the laboratory assistant by means of the multi media package deal while carrying out his daily tasks. Research has been concluded and a number of recommendations, concerning the training of laboratory assistants, the revision of syllabi and the examining of practical work were given.