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Article
Arriving at a Better Answer: A Decision Matrix for Science Lab Course Format
Journal of College Science Teaching
  • Emily K Faulconer, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
  • Laura S. Faulconer, WNT Ventures
  • James R. Hanamean, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Submitting Campus
Worldwide
Department
STEM Education
Document Type
Article
Publication/Presentation Date
1-1-2019
Abstract/Description

At first glance, scientific laboratory experiences might appear to be challenging to move to the cloud. Skeptics may point to sensory feedback limitations and inequivalence of student outcomes. However, emerging data increasingly provide evidence that scientific laboratory courses are not only amenable to online learning, but also can deliver student outcomes at or above traditional in-person courses. In identifying a science lab format, each institution weighs factors like lab course goals, budget, program growth, access, and safety. This article presents a single case study and a decision matrix for how one institution informed their choice for the modality of a chemistry lab course. There is no right answer for a lab modality, but the decision matrix allows for selection of the best-fit modality based on institutional parameters.

Publisher
National Science Teachers Association
Citation Information
Emily K Faulconer, Laura S. Faulconer and James R. Hanamean. "Arriving at a Better Answer: A Decision Matrix for Science Lab Course Format" Journal of College Science Teaching Vol. 48 Iss. 4 (2019) p. 31 - 35
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/emily-faulconer/7/