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Related Experiment Videos

Involving students in experimental design: three approaches.

A P McNeal1, D U Silverthorn, D B Stratton

  • 1Natural Science, Hampshire College, Amherst, Massachusetts 01002, USA.

The American Journal of Physiology
|September 15, 2005
PubMed
Summary

This study presents three structured approaches to enhance student involvement in laboratory experimental design. These methods balance student freedom with faculty guidance for effective scientific inquiry.

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Area of Science:

  • Biology Education
  • Laboratory Science
  • Scientific Method

Background:

  • Faculty aim to increase student engagement in laboratory work and experimental design.
  • Unstructured laboratory activities can be inefficient and frustrating for both students and educators.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe three structured pedagogical approaches for guiding students in designing their own experiments.
  • To offer methods that balance freedom and structure in undergraduate laboratory education.

Main Methods:

  • Approach 1: Focuses on invertebrate preparations and classic techniques, requiring literature review and technique mastery before experimental design.
  • Approach 2: Utilizes a "design framework" ensuring consistent techniques and statistical methods across diverse experimental questions.

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  • Approach 3: Assigns research questions, challenging students to develop appropriate experimental protocols.

    • Main Results:

    • All three methods successfully integrate student-led experimental design within a structured learning environment.
    • The approaches are adaptable to different student levels, available resources, and specific educational objectives.

    Conclusions:

    • Structured guidance is crucial for effective student-led experimental design in laboratory settings.
    • These pedagogical strategies can enhance the learning experience and outcomes in science education.