Teaching and Learning Resources

Lab-based learning is an environment conducive to meaningful, deep learning by challenging students to problem-solve through hands-on experience. Lab-based learning promotes active learning, effective decision making through critical thinking, and when working in small groups can further develop students’ cooperative skills. There are a number of opportunities to enhance the laboratory environment by integrating theory with practice and blending other active learning strategies such as web or computer based learning, and PBL with lab based learning to provide  enhanced higher level reasoning skills. The following resources offer valuable tips, creative ideas and strategies for successful teaching and learning in the laboratory.

Related Resources:

Assessing laboratory learning  (PDF Format) is an excellent resource from The University of South Wales. It offers a toolkit for the process of aligning objectives to assessment.

Teaching Laboratory Classes                                                                                              
A useful article on how to make the best use of  laboratory time and why it is a good learning environment.

Laboratory Learning Strategies  (PDF Format) This article offers many strategies on making the most of science labs.                                                                 

Providing solutions through problem-based learning  in a laboratory setting (PDF format)
An example of  a PBL lab in undergraduate chemistry.

A detailed article that compares the effects of lab based vs. computer based  learning. It discusses the pros and cons of each. Lab based vs. web based learning                                                                                                                                               

Books:
McKeachie, W. (2002). McKeachie’s teaching tips. (11th ed.). Boston (NY): Houghton Mifflin Company.  An interesting book available in the CLL that talks about several teaching strategies.  Available in CLL, Mills Library, 504. Call number: LG003