In the future, learning will be essentially characterized by the ability to regulate the learning process and monitor success independently from a teacher. The technical possibilities offer better access to learning contents, precise and more individualized feedback, and learning phases adapted precisely to the needs of the learner in terms of…

The research was carried out through research and development to produce an innovative chemistry laboratory workbook (InoChemLaW) followed by the implementation of the learning package in the teaching of chemistry. The result showed that a standard InoChemLaW has successfully been developed on the topic of Colligative Properties of solutions. The…

This study explored the effect of conventional laboratory practical manuals on pre-service teachers' integrated science process skills (ISPS). A validated multiple-choice questionnaire with the ISPS components was used to collect data. No significant difference between pre-service subject-specific teachers' (biology, physics and chemistry) ISPS…

The design, usage, and evaluation of a Web-based laboratory manual (WebLM) are described. The main aim of the WebLM is to support students while working in the laboratory by providing them with just-in-time information. Design guidelines for this electronic manual were derived from literature on cognitive load and user interface design. The WebLM…

This study investigated perceptions of 56 students in 4 general chemistry labs regarding their understanding of chemical concepts and processes. Conceptual understanding of scientific investigation was the focus. Students using a pre-lab guide for lab preparation were compared with students completing a traditional pre-lab assignment. Data sources…

Reported are observational limits of detectability for several single stimulus and multi-stimuli observation tasks in secondary level chemistry. Provided are tables of actual results obtained including type of observation, chemical system used, method of determining stimulus magnitude, and observational thresholds. (Author/YP)

Reports on an ethnographic study of laboratory sessions in the departments of Physics and Chemistry at the University of Natal in Durban, South Africa, with specific focus on the comparison of the function of verbs in three first-year laboratory manuals. Several pedagogical implications are discussed. (JL)

The purpose of this study was to develop and apply a scheme for the analysis of flow diagrams. The flow diagrams in question are a schematic representation of written instructions that require students to process the text of their practical manual. It was hoped that an analysis of the flow diagrams would provide insight into students'…

Analyzes undergraduate general-chemistry laboratory manuals (n=10) and identifies illustrative verbs representative of the types of cognitive skills given in Bloom's Taxonomy. Finds that, although the majority of the manuals are similar in their lack of promoting higher-order cognition, a few newer manuals possess the requisite activities for…

The oil drop experiment is considered an important contribution to the understanding of modern physics and chemistry. The objective of this investigation is to study and contrast the views and understanding with respect to the experiment of physicists or philosophers of science with those of authors of physics or chemistry textbooks and…

Results are reported of performance and attitudes of students (N=109) receiving high structure (objectives, reviews, examples, questions, feedback) and students (N=108) receiving low structure (emphasis on content) laboratory manuals and instructions. (SK)