Student-selected Biology Lab Activities

 

Martha Jack

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2002, Volume 23

Abstract

Replacing five of the weekly lab sessions at the end of a General Biology laboratory schedule with a smorgasbord of activities allows the students to have a choice in their lab experiences. This “Elective Lab” program enables the faculty to offer the students a wide variety of activities without being constrained by a two-hour time limit. This workshop highlights the numerous advantages for both students and faculty, then addresses such ‘how-to’ issues as determining the slate of labs and number of seats to be offered, organizing student registration for the elective labs, and assigning credit for completed labs. A little extra work and organization can result in a tremendous educational pay-off.

Keywords:  independent research design

University of Chicago (2001)