الملخص الإنجليزي
This study aimed at investigating the extent of Omani science teachers' understanding of laboratory work and their attitudes towards it, light of some variables (gender, nationality, studying level, specialization and experience period ).
The sample consists of ( 252 ) science teachers from Muscat Governorate selected intendingly from a population of (1984) teachers' whilest correcting final secondary school examination, in 2000/2001 .
Two instruments were used to achieve the aims of this study: Instrument one: An achievement test consists of (31) items divided into five domains. Instrument two: An attitudes questionnaire consists of ( 33 ) statements divided into four domains.
The reliability for internal consistency was conducted and it is found be (0.84 ), and (0.82) respectively for achievement and attitudes tests.
The results of the study revealed the following:
• The teachers' performance in the achievement test was below the educationally accepted criterion ( 80% ).
• There were no significant difference in teachers' performance in the test with respect to gender, nationality, specialization. There were significant difference in studying level and experience
• Teachers attitudes towards laboratory work were weak compared to educationally accepted criterion ( 80% ). .
• There were no significant difference in teachers' attitudes with respect to gender, nationality and studying level .There were significant difference in teachers' attitudes with respect to specialization and experience.
• There was a positive and significant correlation.(r= 0.5 )
between teachers' understanding of laboratory work and their attitudes towards it.
Eventualy the study recommends running in-service training programs in order to help teachers to comprehend laboratory work efficiently and develop their attitudes towards science
