Assessment of science practical skills in Omani 12th‐grade students

A study of science practical skills in Omani 12th‐grade students was carried out using two test modes: paper and pencil and circus. A random selection of science‐stream students was made in schools across Oman. From the national population of 1606 science‐stream students, an 11% sample took part in the circus mode and a 23#lb5% sample in the paper‐and‐pencil test. Three questions were addressed, one concerning science practical skill performance and gender, another on performance in the Omani Secondary School Certificate examinations, while a third question probed the influence of school environment on practical skill performance. Girls outperformed boys in the observation skill in both test modes while boys showed a superior performance in measurement skills. No substantive relationships were found between the practical skill tests and written science examinations. It was found that school factors have a more important influence on practical skill performance than does gender.