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Pre-Lab Introduction

Consider the following five elements in constructing an effective pre-lab introduction:

A. Concepts

• Begin the pre-lab introduction by going over some of the related concepts from lecture. A pre-lab assignment often addresses these concepts and can be a great jumping-off point for the introduction.
• Discuss with students how these concepts relate to the lab exercise at hand. Using class discussion or small group work can help your students make links between theories or principles and lab practice.
• Help students make connections between the concepts addressed in the lecture portion of the class, and their applications in the lab exercise. As the students begin the experiments or procedures, they should understand what principles and concepts are being illustrated through the lab. Students should never leave the lab not understanding why they did what they did.

In some labs, especially in upper division courses, the students are critically involved in planning and executing the lab. For example, advanced students may be asked to design and carry out their own experiments. In these situations, students should have the conceptual basis needed to design experiments that test hypotheses directly related to the scientific theories or ideas in question.

B. Experiment/Procedure

• Briefly go over the lab procedure with the students before lab begins. This helps students to focus on the tasks and goals associated with the lab exercise. It can also be another opportunity to help students connect theory and practice, as you explain the concepts behind each phase of the lab experiment or procedure.
• Put overviews or lists of tasks on the board to help students navigate their lab exercises. Be mindful that the lab experience should be a discovery process and should not feel like following a cookbook.
• Discuss the scientific method (at least once during the semester) to help guide students through the lab experiments. This is especially important, as mentioned above, if students are designing the experiments themselves.

C. Data Analysis and Interpretation

• Review examples of data analysis with the students before the lab in order to help them later make sense of the data, or...
• Give the students hints about data interpretation and allow them to work on sample data in groups or with lab partners. The pre-lab assignment can be helpful here as well: give students sample data to analyze and interpret at home, and use this as another discussion point during your pre-lab introduction. They will have had practice in data analysis and interpretation before coming to lab.

D. Equipment and Safety Considerations

Give a short lecture or demonstration on lab safety, and chemical and waste disposal. It is your responsibility to make sure that students are prepared to conduct the lab in a safe manner.

E. General Tips

• Choose an effective format and use it consistently every week: You will probably think first about format when planning a pre-lab introduction. It is usually helpful to you and the studentsto select and use a consistent and effective format. The students will then know what to expect every week in lab, and they can turn their attention to the concepts and procedures involved in each lab exercise. Using a consistent format also makes it easier for you to to organize and plan the pre-lab part of the lab section.
• Think about time considerations: One of the most important and difficult apsects of the pre-lab introduction is the length.
  • How much time will you spend introducing the material before students begin the lab? It can be difficult for you to balance the desire to make sure students have all the information they need with the desire for a succinct introduction that will leave plenty of time to carry out the lab exercise.
  • The amount of time spent on a pre-lab introduction will vary depending on the material being presented, so it is difficult to recommend a time limit. Be aware that students tend to get frustrated and anxious to begin the lab if the pre-lab introduction is too long. Striving for an effective presentation while being brief is a sound (and challenging) goal for a pre-lab introduction.
• Use discussion and interaction as part of the lab introduction: Lecture is not the only format for introducing lab material. Often, working in small groups or having a class discussion is more effective in challenging your students to think about the lab. Students often learn as well or better from each other than they do from the instructor alone.

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How to Teach Lab Sections Links:

• Introduction
• The Pre-Lab
  • Pre-Lab Assignments
  • The Pre-Lab Introduction
• During & After the Lab
• Lab Period Do's and Don'ts: A Summary
• Asking Effective Questions

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Teaching Resources Links:

• Creating Ground Rules for Discussion Sections
• Using Group Work in Discussion Sections
• Strategies for Variety in the Classroom
• Developing Critical Reading Skills
• How to Teach Lab Sections
• Award-winning Teaching Ideas (Teaching Effectiveness Award Essays)
• Theories of Learning
• Dealing with and Preventing Academic Dishonesty
• Grading Students' Written Work
• Understanding & Using Instructional Technology
• Five Ways to Improve Your Teaching
• How to Write a Letter of Recommendation
• Campus Resources
• FAQs

 

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