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

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