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Claire McDonnell, Mauro Mocerino, Iwona Maciejowska, Gunther Fleerackers, and Natasa Brouwer

This course is developed to improve the effectiveness of laboratory classes in higher education. It aims to support teachers to improve their teaching skills for active learning in university science laboratory courses. It will show you how laboratory sessions can differ with respect to their aim and expected learning outcomes, how to engage students for learning and how to cope with their different levels of pre-knowledge and experience and probe their understanding. Last but not least it will show how you could assess students in laboratory courses.

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This course is developed to improve the effectiveness of laboratory classes in higher education. It aims to support teachers to improve their teaching skills for active learning in university science laboratory courses. It will show you how laboratory sessions can differ with respect to their aim and expected learning outcomes, how to engage students for learning and how to cope with their different levels of pre-knowledge and experience and probe their understanding. Last but not least it will show how you could assess students in laboratory courses.

This course is developed by ECTN (European Chemistry Thematic Network), Working group Lecturing Qualifications and Innovative Teaching Methods.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: Welcome and introduction
In this module you will learn about different types of laboratory sessions and get acquainted with strategies that can improve student’s engagement in lab sessions. You will get an introduction about this course as a whole and set your personal goals for it.
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Module 2: The Good Laboratory Teacher - Tips and Strategies
This module is about qualities needed to be a good laboratory teacher.
Module 3: Learning Theories in Practice
This module is about the learning theories that can be applied to ensure effective teaching of laboratory work.
Module 4: Giving Instructions and Questioning Skills
This module is about giving instruction in a lab session. We present different strategies how to support learning by questioning and how to prevent information overload.
Module 5: Assessment and Feedback
In this module we present the rubric, a tool which can be used for assessing and giving feedback to students on their learning goals. We also consider the concept of constructive alignment of learning outcomes, teaching and learning activities and assessment.
Module 6: Reflection
In this module we ask you to look back on what you have learned in this online course and to make your own plan about the improvements of the laboratory course in which you teach.
Optional additional week to complete the course
This is an additional week for the ones who need it to finish all the assignments and get the cetificate of the course. Good luck!

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops science laboratory teaching skills, which are core skills for university science educators
Covers understanding laboratory teaching and assessment, which are standard in industry
Examines learning theories that can be applied to ensure effective teaching of laboratory work, which is highly relevant to science educators
Teaches giving instructions and questioning skills in laboratory sessions, which helps science educators improve their teaching
Taught by Claire McDonnell, Mauro Mocerino, Iwona Maciejowska, Gunther Fleerackers, and Natasa Brouwer, who are recognized for their work in science teaching
This course explicitly advises students to take other courses first as prerequisites

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Reviews summary

University science labs

According to students, Teaching in University Science Laboratories is a well-received course with engaging assignments. Learners say this great course is especially useful for those who want to improve teaching practices. Those taking the course tend to appreciate the in-depth knowledge and practical skills development that it provides.
For students and teachers alike
"This course is specially designed for the teacher in chemistry who used to teach in the laboratory. But students of chemistry have a way to learn from this course"
Easy to follow and understand
"Very useful and easy to follow"
"I'd say that if your English is below advanced level, you may struggle to understand some of the readings or complete some assignments in a satisfactory way"
Captivating and practical
"Great learning experience, very useful"
"very good knowledge of teaching strategies"
"Great course with important information"
Valuable practical knowledge
"EXCELLENT COURSE THAT IMPARTS IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE"
"this course very much useful for me as a laboratory teacher and designing a rubric will help me to get the students outcome"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Teaching in University Science Laboratories (Developing Best Practice) with these activities:
Online Learning Resources
Explore online resources that complement the course material to reinforce concepts and enhance understanding.
Browse courses on Interactive Simulations
Show steps
  • Identify relevant online learning resources, such as simulations, videos, or interactive modules.
  • Review the resources carefully, taking notes and engaging with interactive elements.
  • Apply the knowledge gained from the resources to laboratory activities and assignments.
Lab Group Discussions
Participate in regular discussions with lab partners or group members to share insights, troubleshoot problems, and enhance comprehension.
Browse courses on Collaborative Learning
Show steps
  • Form study groups with peers.
  • Meet regularly to discuss laboratory concepts, procedures, and results.
  • Provide and receive constructive feedback on laboratory work.
Data Analysis Exercises
Complete practice exercises that involve analyzing and interpreting laboratory data to develop analytical skills.
Browse courses on Statistical Analysis
Show steps
  • Obtain sample datasets from laboratory experiments or online sources.
  • Apply statistical methods and techniques to analyze the data.
  • Interpret the results and draw conclusions based on the analysis.
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Lab Report Writing
Engage in the process of writing detailed laboratory reports that effectively communicate experimental procedures, results, and conclusions.
Browse courses on Scientific Writing
Show steps
  • Review the guidelines for scientific report writing.
  • Organize and structure the report using appropriate sections and headings.
  • Present data clearly and accurately using tables, graphs, and figures.
Lab Mentorship
Volunteer as a lab mentor or tutor to reinforce concepts while assisting others in their learning journey.
Browse courses on Teaching
Show steps
  • Identify opportunities to volunteer as a lab mentor.
  • Prepare and deliver engaging lab sessions, providing guidance and support to students.
  • Evaluate students' understanding and provide feedback to enhance their learning.

Career center

Learners who complete Teaching in University Science Laboratories (Developing Best Practice) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Science Teacher
Science Teachers facilitate learning in an educational setting by planning and implementing curricula, creating lesson plans, and teaching students. This course, Teaching in University Science Laboratories (Developing Best Practice), can be valuable for those wanting a career as a Science Teacher. It provides strategies for teaching, giving instructions, and assessing students in a laboratory setting. Skills developed through this course will help build a foundation for success as a Science Teacher.
Curriculum Developer
Curriculum Developers design, develop, and evaluate educational curricula. They ensure that curricula are aligned with educational standards and learning objectives. This course, Teaching in University Science Laboratories (Developing Best Practice), can be valuable for those wanting a career as a Curriculum Developer. It provides strategies for designing and implementing curricula, as well as assessing student learning.
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designers develop, implement, and evaluate instructional materials and programs. They work with subject matter experts to create learning experiences that are effective and engaging. This course, Teaching in University Science Laboratories (Developing Best Practice), can be valuable for those wanting a career as an Instructional Designer. It provides strategies for designing and delivering instruction, as well as assessing student learning.
Instructional Technology Specialist
Instructional Technology Specialists design, implement, and evaluate the use of technology in educational settings. They work with teachers and administrators to integrate technology into the curriculum and to improve teaching and learning. This course, Teaching in University Science Laboratories (Developing Best Practice), can be valuable for those wanting a career as an Instructional Technology Specialist. It provides strategies for using technology to enhance student learning.
Learning and Development Manager
Learning and Development Managers plan, implement, and evaluate learning and development programs for employees. They work with senior management to identify training needs and to develop and deliver training programs. This course, Teaching in University Science Laboratories (Developing Best Practice), can be valuable for those wanting a career as a Learning and Development Manager. It provides strategies for designing and delivering training programs, as well as assessing learning.
Training Manager
Training Managers plan, implement, and evaluate training programs for employees. They work with senior management to identify training needs and to develop and deliver training programs. This course, Teaching in University Science Laboratories (Developing Best Practice), can be valuable for those wanting a career as a Training Manager. It provides strategies for designing and delivering training programs, as well as assessing learning.
Education Consultant
Education Consultants provide advice and support to educational institutions on a variety of topics, including curriculum development, instructional design, and assessment. This course, Teaching in University Science Laboratories (Developing Best Practice), can be valuable for those wanting a career as an Education Consultant. It provides strategies for designing and delivering instruction, as well as assessing student learning.
Program Manager
Program Managers plan, implement, and evaluate programs and projects. They work with stakeholders to define program goals and objectives, and to develop and implement strategies to achieve those goals. This course, Teaching in University Science Laboratories (Developing Best Practice), can be valuable for those wanting a career as a Program Manager. It provides strategies for planning, implementing, and evaluating programs, as well as assessing learning.
Assessment Specialist
Assessment Specialists design, implement, and evaluate assessments. They work with educators and other stakeholders to develop assessments that are valid, reliable, and fair. This course, Teaching in University Science Laboratories (Developing Best Practice), can be valuable for those wanting a career as an Assessment Specialist. It provides strategies for designing and implementing assessments, as well as assessing student learning.
Research Scientist
Research Scientists conduct research in a variety of fields, including science, engineering, and medicine. They design and conduct experiments, analyze data, and publish their findings in scientific journals. This course, Teaching in University Science Laboratories (Developing Best Practice), may be useful for those wanting a career as a Research Scientist. It provides strategies for designing and conducting experiments, as well as assessing data.
Science Writer
Science Writers write about science and technology for a variety of audiences, including the general public, students, and scientists. They may work for newspapers, magazines, websites, or other organizations. This course, Teaching in University Science Laboratories (Developing Best Practice), may be useful for those wanting a career as a Science Writer. It provides strategies for writing about science and technology in a clear and concise way.
Science Communicator
Science Communicators share scientific information with the public. They may work for museums, science centers, or other organizations. This course, Teaching in University Science Laboratories (Developing Best Practice), may be useful for those wanting a career as a Science Communicator. It provides strategies for communicating science to the public in a clear and engaging way.
Science Educator
Science Educators teach science to students at all levels, from elementary school to university. They develop and deliver lesson plans, and they assess student learning. This course, Teaching in University Science Laboratories (Developing Best Practice), may be useful for those wanting a career as a Science Educator. It provides strategies for teaching science in a way that is effective and engaging.
Academic Librarian
Academic Librarians provide research and information services to students, faculty, and staff at universities and colleges. They may also teach courses in information literacy. This course, Teaching in University Science Laboratories (Developing Best Practice), may be useful for those wanting a career as an Academic Librarian. It provides strategies for teaching information literacy and for providing research and information services.
Education Administrator
Education Administrators plan, implement, and evaluate educational programs. They may work for schools, universities, or other educational organizations. This course, Teaching in University Science Laboratories (Developing Best Practice), may be useful for those wanting a career as an Education Administrator. It provides strategies for planning, implementing, and evaluating educational programs.

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Teaching in University Science Laboratories (Developing Best Practice).
Provides a comprehensive overview of active learning in science. It covers a variety of active learning strategies, as well as the research that supports their use. It valuable resource for teachers who want to incorporate more active learning into their classrooms.
Provides a comprehensive overview of learning theories and instructional design principles. It valuable resource for instructors who want to understand how students learn and how to design effective learning experiences.
Provides a comprehensive overview of laboratory safety for chemistry students. It covers a wide range of topics, including chemical hazards, laboratory equipment, and emergency procedures. It valuable resource for both students and teachers.
Provides practical advice on how to give effective feedback to students. It covers a wide range of topics, including how to provide feedback that is timely, specific, and actionable. It valuable resource for instructors who want to improve their feedback practices.
Provides a comprehensive overview of assessment in science education. It covers a wide range of topics, including assessment design, scoring, and interpretation. It valuable resource for instructors who want to improve their assessment practices.
Provides a comprehensive overview of science teaching. It covers a wide range of topics, including the nature of science, the learning of science, and the teaching of science. It valuable resource for both new and experienced science teachers.
Comprehensive overview of science education from an international perspective. It valuable resource for science teachers who want to learn about different approaches to science education.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the philosophy of science education. It valuable resource for science teachers who want to understand the philosophical foundations of science education.

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