Laboratory tasks as an instructional strategy in science education

Laboratory tasks have a long history in science education and are often taken for granted. Perhaps because of this they are not always given the attention and reflection they deserve. In this workshop we will take a closer look at laboratory tasks as an instructional strategy and how they can be used more effectively.

Content young woman, armes crossed, in front of a lab

This workshop is aimed at university teachers within the Science academic area.

 

About the workshop

As always in education the question of effectiveness primarily hinges on each teachers understanding and creative adaptation of the why and how in each specific context. A starting point is to analyze existing examples of laboratory tasks to see if the original intentions need to be reappreciated, or if some modification is called for.

During the workshop we introduce a simple but useful framework to analyze laboratory tasks based on the following aspects: educational objectives, goal structure, student autonomy, relation to authentic research, researchable questions, hypotheses, scientific methods (in plural), and assessment.

This framework can inform the implementation or modification of existing laboratory tasks, as well as guide the development of new tasks.
 
Workshop leader is Jakob von Gyllenpalm, lektor vid Institutionen för ämnesdidaktik. The workshop is held in English.

 

Preparations and litterature  

Participants are expected to do a small assignment in preparation for the workshop. Instructions and readings are sent out about one week before the workshop.   

 

Registration

The workshop is aimed at all teaching staff and educational managers, regardless of subject affiliation, at Stockholm University. Participation is free of charge. Book your place in good time, as places are limited. First come, first served is applied.

Register here

Organizer is the Centre for the Advancement of University Teaching (CeUL). CeUL offers workshops on a variety of teaching and learning topics with the aim to support and stimulate engaging and high-quality teaching at all levels at Stockholm University.

The workshop offers an opportunity to explore and develop academic teaching skills that falls under category 1. Subject expert and guide. The workshop offers tools and ideas on how to translate subject knowledge into teaching practice.

Learn more about The 8 dimensions Academic teachership