Teaching in University Science Laboratories (Developing Best Practice) (Coursera)

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

What You Will Learn

- Identify the purposes of implementing laboratory classes in higher education.

- Provide strategies on how to increase student engagement.

- Develop effective questions to probe student understanding of laboratory practice.

- Create a rubric for assessing a student performing a lab activity and subsequent reports.

Syllabus

WEEK 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.

WEEK 2

The Good Laboratory Teacher - Tips and Strategies

This module is about qualities needed to be a good laboratory teacher.

WEEK 3

Learning Theories in Practice

This module is about the learning theories that can be applied to ensure effective teaching of laboratory work.

WEEK 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.

WEEK 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.

WEEK 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.

WEEK 7

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!