Research Question

Can we develop an instrument capable of effectively measuring students' analytical laboratory technique?

Rationale

The development of laboratory skills is an important part of the completion of any chemistry or biochemistry degree. These skills allow students to be successful in industry, professional or graduate school. Little research has been done to assess upper division chemistry teaching, learning or preparedness in any form. We are interested in monitoring the skills gained in lower-division chemistry laboratory courses and whether these foundational skills are retained prior to enrollment in upper-division chemistry laboratory courses. By developing a method to measure students' laboratory technique, students will have a better sense of their skill level. This knowledge can be used to prepare them for success both in their upper-division courses and future careers.

Hypothesis

We hypothesize that students' laboratory technique can be quantitatively and objectively measured using an observation-based assessment.

Approach

To develop this assessment, we are considering several factors. We have surveyed faculty teaching upper-division courses to identify a list of common laboratory skills with which students are expected to be proficient. In addition, we align skills identified in this way with the American Chemical Society's expectations for chemistry degrees. We then will design a hands-on, in-lab practicum meant to have students demonstrate a variety of laboratory skills while being observed by one or more raters. We will optimize this assessment, considering practical limitations such as time, space, and cost.