Overview
Lab-based learning is suited for disciplines that are based on experimentation and empirical data such as science and engineering. Beyond learning laboratory skills and techniques in the traditional lab, lab-based learning is a pedagogy that can be used to develop the professional competencies of scientists and engineers, such as the scientific method, project management, as well as technical communication and presentation.
These competencies are developed through an inquiry-based, project-based or problem-based approach with the laboratory as the central focus, through designing experiments to solve open ended problems, conducting experiments and managing the project, collecting, analysing and interpreting data and communicating the findings and conclusions.
Videos
What are some key elements of inquiry-based labs? This short video is part of a series of videos on inquiry-based labs.
CIRTL MOOC. (2015, September 10). Principles and definitions of inquiry-based labs.
Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRXFyfnt1QA
Michelle Driessen, a lecturer from The University of Minnesota shares how she converted a traditional chemistry lab to an inquiry-based lab.
Centre for Educational Innovation - University of Minnesota. (2015, May 27). Inquiry-
based labs - Michelle Driessen - University of Minnesota. Retrieved from https://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVpSxQoRi_M
Articles
- From cook to chef: Facilitating the transition from recipe-driven to open-ended research-based undergraduate chemistry lab activities Bertram, A., Davies, E. S., Denton, R., Fray, M. J., Galloway, K. W., George, M. W., Reid, K. L., Thomas, N. R., & Wright, R. R. (2014). From cook to chef: Facilitating the transition from recipe-driven to open-ended research-based undergraduate chemistry lab activities. New Directions in the Teaching of Physical Sciences, 10(1), 26-31. Retrieved from https://journals.le.ac.uk/ojs1/index.php/new-directions/article/view/513
Lecturers at the University of Nottingham share how they introduced mini-projects into the undergraduate Chemistry curriculum to provide opportunities to develop the disciplinary competencies.
- Project-based learning: Improving student engagement and performance in the laboratory Robinson, J. K. (2013). Project-based learning: Improving student engagement and performance in the laboratory. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 405(1), 7-13. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007%2Fs00216-012-6473-x.pdf
At Indiana University, lecturers implemented real-world project-based learning in a large laboratory through which students learnt the techniques while carrying out their projects. This led to improved student engagement and performance in the laboratory.
Lab-based Learning vs Learning in a Lab
Book Resources
Websites
- Ask Professor Pedagogy: Lab sessions Mcdaniel, R. (2012). Ask Professor Pedagogy: Lab sessions. Retrieved from https://wp0.vanderbilt.edu/cft/2012/11/ask-professor-pedagogy-lab-sessions/
Professor Pedagogy’s advice to a teaching assistant on meaningful learning in the lab
- How are inquiry-based labs different from more traditional labs? Peters, J. S. (n.d.). How are inquiry-based labs different from more traditional labs? Retrieved from http://petersj.people.cofc.edu/CCLI/InquiryTraditionalDifference.pdf
How are inquiry-based labs different from more traditional labs? A short 1-page article from College of Charleston