Post-16 students’ experience of practical science during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on students’ self-efficacy in practical work

• DOI: 10.35542/osf.io/gx2jh
• Publication Date: 2023-05-13T05:00:50Z
• Authors: Helen Cramman; Benjamin Arenas; Raheela Awais; Corina Balaban; Cate Cropper; Francesca M. Dennis; Katy Finch; Helen F. Gray; Amy Hall; Guy Kitchen; Katherine Norman; Luke O'Driscoll; Philippa Petts; Susie Petri; Jacquie Robson; Angus Rosenburgh; Lauren Shields; G. Peter Swift; Helen L. Vaughan
• Keywords: Preparedness; Pandemic; Exploratory research; Distancing

This paper presents the findings from a detailed study investigating UK undergraduate students’ experience of practical science in their post-16 studies during COVID-19 pandemic. It also examines perceived confidence and preparedness students relation to areas skills at start degree courses. The employed an exploratory sequential mixed methods design, with focus groups end used support development comprehensive audit quantitative survey for incoming students. Survey data were collected September October 2021 275 commencing Biosciences, Chemistry, Physics Natural Science degrees two universities England.The research is important because although almost all had opportunity undertake work as part pandemic, there was considerable variation experiences. indicate that self-efficacy impacted by closures education establishments, ongoing social distancing removal assessment criteria have ‘routinely consistently’ undertaken each requirements. considerations which are relevant educators supporting transition Higher Education.