The student experience in traditional and inquiry-based chemistry labs

Abstract

This project introduced two inquiry-based labs to an existing sequence of traditional labs in a sophomore chemistry class. The student experience in both types of lab instruction was examined through surveys, interviews, misconception probes, pre- and post-lab content quizzes, and student-teacher communication logs. It was found that both types of lab instruction had strengths and potential weakness, which indicate areas that require particular attention when using each instructional method.