Design Principles For Effective Laboratory Instruction

Laboratories have been a fixture in science education for more than a century, yet their value has been debated almost that entire time. In 2005, the National Research Council (NRC) released America's Lab Report, synthesizing recent inquiry-oriented research efforts that use laboratory experiences more effectively than is typical. This chapter comprehensively describes four design principles for effective laboratories identified in the NRC report: clearly communicated purposes; careful sequencing within the flow of instruction; integrated focus on concepts and practice; and ongoing discussion and reflection. Each principle is described, given a philosophical rationale, clarified and justified with evidence from cognitive developmental research. ne chapter concludes with examples of how these design principles have been used effectively. The aim is to help science educators and curriculum developers to apply current research to the development of quality laboratory experiences for children.