Effectiveness of laboratory practical for Students’ Learning

Abstract

Modules relating to engineering disciplines mostly comprise laboratory hands on practical in order to demonstrate the application of theory in practice. Guided sheet is usually followed by the instructor while carrying out the practical and students are allowed to work as a team by following the instructions. Since it is a common practice in almost all engineering laboratories, students’ learning was investigated using two soil experiments in civil engineering technological programme in 2018. Interviews were conducted to search what students learn from the practical by recalling learned materials from sample of students after completion of the practical and the method adopted by the instructors were collected through the questionnaire. Analysis based on recalling learning showed that students remember observable aspects of practical task such as identification of apparatus and the testing procedure within one year but it does not assist them to learn theory and calculations though it has been totally covered during the practical lesson. It is noted that students highly involved in doing practical in laboratory rather than attending theory and calculation. Students’ active involvement in learning before the commencement of practical with the assistance of the instructor, observing physical outcomes while doing and searching additional information at the end through internet have showed better results. Preset process is found partially effective and learning on theory and calculation need to be improved to make the process success. Keywords: Laboratory practical, students’ learning, recalling learning, effectiveness,