Improving Students' Practical Laboratory Techniques through Focused Instruction and Assessment

Undergraduate chemistry laboratory courses are delivered through hands-on exploration of the lecture material, however, students face challenges in performing the physical actions of the experiments and these are dependent on the method the instructions are delivered. A student who knows and understands proper laboratory techniques will have an easier time with the experiment, be less stressed, work more safely, obtain results that match expectations and re-enforce the lessons learned in lecture. Recently, we have re-evaluated and modified the way the laboratory technique instruction is delivered to students in our laboratory courses. In order to focus the attention of students on the proper way to use the glassware and common apparatus used in most undergraduate laboratories, a Laboratory Techniques experiment was developed as well as laboratory technique centered exercises. We will present our efforts to improve student learning, instructor observations, data and graphing skills to support the effectiveness of these initiatives.