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Towards constructivist laboratory education: Case study for process control laboratory

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conference contribution
posted on 2009-07-03, 13:26 authored by Mahmoud Abdulwahed, Zoltan NagyZoltan Nagy
Laboratory education is an integrated part of engineering and science degrees. Many research papers refer to poor constructivist learning during the laboratory sessions, indicating the need for reforming the laboratory education in a way that facilitates constructivist learning as well as conceptual understanding. In this paper we present a model of conducting laboratories, based on the well known Kolbpsilas experiential learning cycle, implemented with recent available technologies, and applied to an undergraduate process control lab. There are four main stages in Kolbpsilas model, namely: concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation. To implement these stages, the hands on lab is conducted in conjunction with supplemental activities such as experiments performed in the classroom remotely through the Internet, using virtual lab and preparation sessions, and conducting pre and post lab tests. The paper presents how the supplemental activities are mapped with Kolbpsilas cycle to promote the constructivist laboratory education. The quantitative analysis showed reasonable enhancement of learning outcomes of the experimental groups compared with the control group. The paper presents a novel model of conducting experiential education based on well known pedagogical approach facilitated with recent information and communication technology (ICT) developments.

History

School

  • Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering

Department

  • Chemical Engineering

Citation

ABDULWAHED, M. and NAGY, Z.K., 2008. Towards constructivist laboratory education: Case study for process control laboratory. IN: Proceedings, 38th Annual Frontiers in Education Conference. FIE 2008, Saratoga Springs, New York, 22-25 October 2008, pp. S1B-9 - S1B-14

Publisher

© IEEE

Version

  • VoR (Version of Record)

Publication date

2008

Notes

This is a conference paper [© IEEE]. It is also available from: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/RecentCon.jsp?punumber=4703377. Personal use of this material is permitted. However, permission to reprint/republish this material for advertising or promotional purposes or for creating new collective works for resale or redistribution to servers or lists, or to reuse any copyrighted component of this work in other works must be obtained from the IEEE.

ISBN

9781424419692

ISSN

0190-5848

Language

  • en

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