The ‘broken’ practical approach
By Euan Douglas2021-03-24T08:00:00
Take this approach to practical work to ensure students are learning, not just doing
The ‘broken’ practical approach focuses on deepening students’ learning and understanding about experiments, rather than simply following a recipe to do them. It asks students to consider how to fix, or improve, experiments, by asking more challenging questions. Instead of asking recall questions based on recipe-style instructions for practical work, you ask students questions that require them to apply their scientific knowledge, analyse information and ideas, make interpretations and judgements, draw conclusions and improve experimental procedures.