Comparative study between open ended laboratory and traditional laboratory

The traditional laboratory work based on guided assignment will not be adequate within the outcome based learning environment. Innovative approaches that require active involvement of the students in the learning activities are necessary in ensuring that the targeted learning outcomes are achieved. The Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, introduced open ended laboratory work in 2008 as part of the effort to provide suitable learning environment for the students to achieve the learning outcomes. This paper describes a comparison study between traditional and open ended laboratory; the implementation of the open ended laboratory and its impact on the overall students learning experience with emphasis on programme outcomes. The open ended laboratory assignment was first implemented in the first semester of the 2008-2009 academic years. The students are divided in groups of four and were only given a statement on their laboratory assignment. They are required to determine the objectives and the scope of the laboratory assignment, to identify the necessary apparatus and prepare the step by step methodology. Each group is required to prepare a report on the above elements and present the results. They are graded based on the originality of their idea, results and discussion from the laboratory assignment and oral presentation. Initially the students had some difficulties because they were not familiar with such laboratory assignment. However, the performance was improved in the proceeding semesters and they are better prepared for their final year research project.