A model for pre-practical work

Practical work is embedded in science education, and it is routine to include some pre-practical activity to help students prepare for their time in the laboratory. What form should this take?

This project involves:

  • Synthesising the literature on pre-practical work in chemistry to develop an understanding of the approaches and rationale for pre-practical work
  • Devising a model for pre-practical work consistent with cognitive load theory, within the construct of the laboratory as a complex learning environment
  • Exploring how pre-practical work aligning to this model can be used in practice

A literature review and description of the laboratory as a complex learning environment has since been published (free to access). We are currently exploring the value of pre-practical activities in our laboratory teaching. 

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Last updated: 02 Feb 2018 at 10:23
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