A Study of Learning Environment and Science Achievement as Predictors of Science Process Abilities

Abstract

Science education is very essential at the middle school stage. Providing a conducive learning environment for the learning of science and science processes can influence students’ achievement in science, the present study attempts to find out whether these variables can predict achievement in science. Sample consisted of 209 students of class VIII studying in Prayagraj. ‘Test of Science Processes’ and ‘Learning Environments Inventory’ constructed by the researcher and ‘Science Achievement Test’ constructed by Kalplata Pandey were used to collect the data. Analysis of the data was done by using step wise regression analysis. Findings revealed that science achievement and difficulty in learning environment can predict science process scores. It was also found that achievement in science and speed in learning environment can predict ability to identify supporting data while achievement in science contributes to prediction of the ability to interpret data. Ability to draw inference, exclusion of variables and design experiments can be predicted from friction, difficulty and involvement respectively.