Analysis of learning improvement on changing lab course from single experiments to projects

Abstract

During recent years, there has been a trend to replace traditional lab courses by project-based learning activities. However, there is currently little scientific evidence for educational improvements through such changes. Some years ago, a lab course on electrical measurements in our bachelor “Electrical Engineering and Information Technology” was modified from single experiments to projects. This change led to a significant increase in the necessary manpower and lab costs. To justify these higher efforts, it is important to investigate if the learning success increased. We carried out the surveys and collected the statistical data from the students who attended this course. In order to see if the students appreciated this lab course and if there was an objective increase of the students’ knowledge, these results were evaluated. Evaluation of the grades in the lecture and lab courses shows that the increase of the students’ theoretical and practical knowledge is statistically significant.