are practical laboratory skills among first year science undergraduates related to academic...
TRANSCRIPT
Are practical laboratory skills among first year science undergraduates related to academic achievement or qualification choice?
Results of a pilot study at Newcastle College
Dr Sarah McLuskyFormerly Newcastle College
Currently Royal Society of Chemistry
Practical laboratory
workSCIENCE Theoretical
knowledge
BTEC National/Extended
Diploma Applied Science
A-level Science (Biology, Chemistry,
Physics)
A-level Applied Science
Access to HE (Science)
Similar academic achievementExtremely variable practical skills
FdSc Analytical ChemistryFdSc Biotechnology
Core Lab
SkillsWorking
safelyAccuracy and Skill
Making up a
solution
Weighing out solids
Diluting a solution
Following instructions
Using a pipette
Formative assessment for all new L4 FdSc students in 2012 and 2013
Students opt in or out of research study
Opt in questionnaire on L2 and L3 qualifications
Useable results obtained from 25 students
Weigh out 1.5g
copper (II) sulphate Place the
powder in a beaker and dissolve in a little water
Put the solution in the
volumetric flask and make up to
the markGet assessor to check
level
Prepare 5ml of a 1 in 5
dilution of the copper
sulphate solution
Fill a cuvette with a
sample of your original
solution… and another with your
diluted solution.
Measure the
absorbance
Test Scoring (out of 35)Type Category Mark out of 5 based on
Quantitative scores Time taken Class mean
Weight Class mean
Stock absorbance Assessor mean
Dilution absorbance Assessor mean
Qualitative scores Volumetric accuracy Assessor judgement
Use of PPE Assessor judgement
Good Laboratory Practice Assessor judgement
One mark was subtracted each time they asked for help
Scores ranged from 15 to 31 (out of 35)
Most confident (highest scores)
• Use of PPE• Weighing out
Least confident (lowest scores)
• Preparing a dilution• Using a pipette• Making up solutions
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 20010
15
20
25
30
35
There is no general correlation between practical test scores and academic achievement at L2 (GCSE Science)
GCSE Science Score
Prac
tical
Tes
t Sco
re
100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240 260 280 30010
15
20
25
30
35
There is no general correlation between practical test scores and academic achievement a L3 (UCAS points)
UCAS Points
Prac
tical
Tes
t Sco
re
100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240 260 280 30010
15
20
25
30
35
There is some correlation between practical test scores and academic achievement within qualification groups
BTEC Applied ScienceA-level ScienceLinear (A-level Science)A-level Applied ScienceAccessLinear (Access)
UCAS Points
Prac
tical
Tes
t Sco
re
Access A-level Applied Science A-level Science BTEC Applied Science0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Mean test scores by L3 qualification Pr
actic
al T
est S
core
Do these results indicate a wider
trend?
Do more practical students self-
select?
BTEC grades are not always true
indicators of academic ability
Some A-level and Access students
claim they did no practical at all
BTEC requires students to carry
out tasks and demonstrate skills
Is it the curriculum?
Possible significance
Employers/ recruitment
decisions
Advice and Guidance
University admissions
Qualification status and
equivalence
Curriculum design
Informed decision making
Value of ‘wet’ practicals
With thanks to
Julie Hizzett (co-assessor)Newcastle College colleaguesCameron (star of the photos)
Are practical laboratory skills among first year science undergraduates related to academic achievement or qualification choice?
Results of a pilot study at Newcastle College
Dr Sarah McLuskyFormerly Newcastle College
Currently Royal Society of Chemistry