First Lab Something: promoting proper laboratory learning through - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

“First Lab Something…”: promoting proper laboratory learning through intelligent course design?

We warmly encourage you to: • Interrupt; • Ask questions; • Ask questions; • Make comments; or • Debate with us during our delivery.

The context: The power of labs; Labs and employability; Labs and course requirements. Intelligent lab course design: The transition between level 1 and level 2; Trying to solve the problems Final remarks: Remaining issues / deficiencies

“Science is a difficult subject.” Abstract ideas can be made “real” in the lab. The lab can give us so much more…

• Unique and unusual variety. • Commune environment. • Intellectually and manually challenging. • Regular occurrence. • Regular occurrence. Naturally linked to employability!

• Numeracy • Critical of information and measurements • Independence of thought • Time management • Make accurate observations / measurements • Make accurate written transcriptions of events • Good verbal and written communication • Good verbal and written communication • Good negotiation and motivation skills • Able to make and maintain relationships • Seize ownership of given tasks • Show self reliance and initiative • Problem solving • Stamina

Do we deliver employability?

Spotlight on L1-L2 transition Intelligent course design

Consequence of L1-L2 transition Quick preparation Recipe Blind panic following Coping Strategies? Unsystematic Stress recording Inadequate reporting

Employability? • Numeracy • Being critical Quick • Independence of thought preparation • Time management Blind Recipe • Accurate recording following following panic panic • Accurate reporting Coping Strategies? • Communication • Group/team work Unsystematic Stress recording • Self motivation Inadequate • Self-reliance & initiative reporting • Problem solving • Stamina

Group & Team Work • Benefits • Disadvantages – Negotation/motivation – Negotation/motivation – Communal time – Communal time management management management management – Interpersonal skills – Interpersonal skills – Conflict management – Conflict management – Peer tuition – Peer tuition – Mutual reinforcement – Mutual reinforcement

Employability? • Numeracy • Being critical Quick • Independence of thought preparation • Time management Blind Recipe • Accurate recording following following panic panic • Accurate reporting Coping Strategies? • Communication • Group/team work Unsystematic Stress recording • Self motivation Inadequate • Self-reliance & initiative reporting • Problem solving • Stamina

Quick preparation • Pre-laboratory assignments – Task planning – Practising unfamiliar analysis • Hopefully – Banish cooking & start experimentation – Increase What/Why understanding – Time management & self reliance

Unsystematic recording • Lab Notebook assessment –Formative & summative assessment • Repetition –Reinforcement

Inadequate reporting • Report quality or chemical analysis? • Focussed assessment

DON’T PANIC • First laboratory expericence sets precedent • FLS initiative – Time to settle in – Time to settle in – Skills focus • Initial evaluation – Settling in time appreciated

Employability? • Numeracy • Being critical Quick • Independence of thought preparation • Time management Blind Recipe • Accurate recording following following panic panic • Accurate reporting Coping Strategies? • Communication • Group/team work Unsystematic Stress recording • Self motivation Inadequate • Self-reliance & initiative reporting • Problem solving • Stamina

Remaining issues. • Repetition. • Tuition is variable. • Group work. • Experimental design. • Experimental design. • Freedom to Explore. • Undergraduates having a Postgraduate attitude. • Critical thought.

Contributors • Dr. Jenny Burnham • Dr. Colin Crook • Dr. Julie Hyde • Dr. Ed Warminski • Dr. Ed Warminski