Video Laboratory Reports in Chemistry Education: Associations with Pre-Service Science Teachers’ Laboratory Engagement and Experiences

Abstract

This study investigated how written and video laboratory reports are associated with pre-service science teachers’ engagement and experiences in a chemistry laboratory. Designed as an embedded single-case study, the research was conducted with 45 pre-service science teachers enrolled in a Chemistry I laboratory course at a state university. During the semester, the participants completed five experiments and prepared written reports for two experiments and video reports for three experiments. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and Comparative Item Form (CIF) adapted from the Student Engagement in the General Chemistry Laboratory Survey. The comparative item responses showed that students associated video reports more strongly with several cognitive and behavioral engagement experiences. The emotional findings were mixed, as video reports were associated with both greater interest and stronger feelings of anxiety and concern. They stated that video reports supported repeated viewing, careful use of laboratory materials, correct application of laboratory techniques, and more active participation in the laboratory process. The students also described video reports as enjoyable and instructive, although some experienced anxiety and stress during video recording. Overall, the study suggests that video laboratory reports can be used as an alternative or complementary reporting format to support student engagement in chemistry laboratory courses.