Challenges in delivering efficient lab practicals
Lack of student preparation
Many labs run inefficiently because students turn up to their session unprepared to complete their practical activities. Both experimental techniques and data analysis can be challenging for students, leading them to arrive at labs unsure of what to do. Preparing students for the practical and analytical elements of their labs is essential to ensure they can participate as efficiently as possible.
Data anxiety
Working with data in lab settings can be overwhelming for many students. The process of collecting, interpreting and analysing experimental data can induce anxiety and fear of failure, making it challenging for students to fully engage and learn effectively.
Smart Labs: How the University of Plymouth boosted student confidence completing lab assessments
The University of Plymouth's science foundation year faced challenges with large cohort sizes and the sustainability of assessment methods. Dr. Roy Lowry’s chemistry module required early lab assessments, but the growing number of students made the existing assessment and feedback process untenable. With nearly 200 students, the manual marking load was overwhelming, necessitating a more efficient and scalable solution that still provided high-quality, consistent feedback.
Facing challenges with the scalability of lab assessments and staff workload, Dr. Lowry introduced Smart Worksheets in a "formative first, summative second" structure. These worksheets, integrated seamlessly into existing practicals, focused on gravimetric and titrimetric analysis. Students input their lab-collected data into the worksheets, receiving immediate feedback on both their calculations and the accuracy of their data.
The initial formative worksheets provided instant feedback, helping students familiarise themselves with the technology and structure. The subsequent summative worksheets assessed the same concepts without feedback, ensuring students applied their understanding to new, similar experiments.
Students who completed the formative worksheets scored 10% higher on summative assessments. The approach has marked over 2000 assessments in six years, saving more than 100 hours of marking time annually. This freed staff to engage more deeply with students during lab sessions, enhancing the overall learning experience. The project has received recognition, including a LearnSci Teaching Innovation Award and presentations at major conferences. Read the case study to find out more.
