Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Experiments for LabTutor Now Available
Problem-Based Learning is widely used in medical and science education. Research shows that PBL helps students prepare for a professional life by helping them to develop advanced level interpersonal skills, the ability to work effectively in cross and interdisciplinary teams and critical thinking. ADInstruments, in developing PBL laboratory experiment suites, recognizes the importance of this approach.LabTutor PBL Laboratory Experiment Suites
Implementing PBL within LabTutor gives students working collaboratively, the freedom, flexibility and resources to ask their own physiological questions and design experiments to answer them. In the first release of PBL Laboratories blood pressure, ECG and Pulse, EMG and Respiratory Air Flow and Volume human-based experiments are available.
Educators can select either the Guided PBL Laboratory experiments, which are designed as a simple introduction to PBL, or the self-directed PBL Laboratories which are designed to be integrated into PBL-based courses.
LabTutor PBL Laboratories guide students through the entire experimental process. Students are provided with all the resources needed to conduct and complete their own experiments based on their background research. As with all LabTutor experiments, the final Report page provides the student with a complete record of their work.
Guided PBL Laboratory Experiments
This suite of human-based experiments introduces students to PBL in a laboratory setting. During the laboratory session, students first complete a selection of conventional experiments in which they learn how to use the required equipment. Students then design their own experiment. First they identify a question and frame it in the form of an experimentally testable hypothesis. From this they describe the method they will use to investigate their hypothesis and then predict the results they expect to obtain. They then perform the experiment, analyze the results and reflect on their experimental design and hypothesis.
PBL Laboratory Experiments
This suite of human-based experiments introduces students to self-directed PBL over two laboratories. In the first laboratory session, the students can develop up to three experiments, defining their questions, hypothesis, methods and predictions. At this stage they submit a Report that can be evaluated by their instructor. In the second session students implement their designed experiments, acquire and analyze their data and discuss their results.
Example of LabTutor PBL Laboratory Experiment – Blood Pressure
Step 1: Data acquisition and analysis familiarization
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Step 4: Results and discussion of hypothesis
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Guided Problem Based Laboratories and Problem Based Laboratories can be downloaded free of charge by LabTutor users.
Create Your Own PBL Experiments
LabAuthor makes it possible for every LabTutor experiment to be a perfect fit for different student needs, classrooms and institutions. LabAuthor gives educators control over the content of LabTutor experiments. You can edit any LabTutor experiment to match curriculum requirements, students' skills and experience, laboratory equipment and setup, and time availability. LabAuthor users can also create entirely new experiments within LabTutor's proven step-by-step structure to suit their specific needs and resources.
Also Available
For More Information
- Read more about PowerLab LabTutor Teaching Systems
- Contact your local ADInstruments representative
06 June 2008
