Using Small Scale Techniques to Assess Laboratory Learning

Abstract

The laboratory part of a chemistry courses is considered essential by most chemistry instructors, yet few instructors attempt to assess the laboratory learning with anything other than written lab reports. At best lab reports may only provide feedback on students observational skills, communication skills, and their ability to follow directions, skills that students should have, but are hardly the essence of laboratory training. Those instructors that do attempt to assess students laboratory skills often do so with paper and pencil exams.