Teaching and Learning in Lab Environment
31 Preparing for and Teaching in Laboratory
Many thanks to Cailin Rothwell, Biological Sciences, for the update of Astride Silis, Earth Sciences, work in this section. Thank you also to Stephanie Martin for additional comments.
Pre-Lab Preparation
- It is important that you are comfortable with the lab environment and the technology within the room. Visit the space prior to class to familiarize yourself with the space, the regulations regarding the use of the space, and the equipment in the room. work through problems before lab begins.
- Know theoretical material
- Ensure that you are familiar with course content so that you can provide strong connections between the experiment being conducted and the material addressed in lecture.
- Be aware of hazards, safety equipment and first aid kit locations
- Wear a name tag and make sure your students have your email and have a way to contact you
- Arrive at lab approximately 15 minutes before the start of lab (to answer questions, etc.) and to check that everything is set up and ready for the lab session to begin.
- You may want to spend a few minutes writing key points or examples at the front of the class, which you can then cover with the students at the onset of the session.
Beginning of the Lab
Make sure that students know the following:
- The lab protocols (e. g. logging in and out of computers)
- That students must report to you any problems with equipment, software, hardware, etc.
- Safety rules in the lab
- Lab objectives (what they should work on/report about)
During the Lab
- Wear a lab coat, safety glasses, gloves, etc. as required for the experiment. If the students are required to wear safety equipment, the lab demonstrator must adhere to the same rules.
- Ask open-ended questions of students to aid in understanding.
- Monitor student work during the entire lab period; do no other work during the lab period or sit in a corner “chatting”
- Do not work on your own research or coursework
- Do not grade assignments or input grades
- Do not take personal calls, text, or check email
- Circulate around the room constantly, monitoring equipment setups and student progress
- Do not move lab equipment or alter experimental setups unless told to do so by the Senior Lab Demonstrator.
- Anticipate problems. Identify “lost” or “confused” students and advise them as required.
- Continually reinforce good lab techniques and rules to maintain a safe and orderly lab.
- Make sure your expectations are consistent across all lab sessions.
- Be patient, some experiments and practices are not everyone’s forte and students may excel at different paces.
- Coach students in plagiarism avoidance
- Take initiative to assist students
- Be courteous and polite
- Be sensitive to cultural differences
- Inform students if you have to temporarily leave the lab
- Keep in mind course-specific requirements
- Respect that each student has different learning styles and needs
- Instruct students of proper ways to resubmit assignments for remarking
After the Lab
- Ensure students clean their areas when lab is completed
- Clean up areas left dirty and put away equipment
- Remain in the lab until all students have left and you have made sure everything was left in proper condition
- Report any information relating to lab accidents or incidents to the Senior Lab Demonstrator/Coordinator as soon as possible after the lab
- Report any damaged or malfunctioning equipment to the Senior Lab Demonstrator
