The Role of the Laboratory in Chemistry Teaching and Learning

This chapter deals with the historical aspects of teaching and learning in the high school chemistry laboratory. Based on an intensive review of the literature, the changes in goals and objectives of the chemistry laboratory over the years are presented. In general, three periods related to students’ practice in the chemistry laboratory, namely the early 1960s to the early 1980s, the mid-1980s to the end of the 1990s, and from 2000 until today are covered. These periods are discussed in detail in terms of educational characteristics, goals and effectiveness.