Category Based Analysis of Videotapes from Labwork ( CBAV )-Method and Results from Four Case-Studies

'Labwork in Science Education ' This project stems from a concern to recognise science education as an important component of a general education, not only for future scientists and engineers, but also for any future citizen in a European society which is increasingly dependent upon science and technology. Research has focused upon the role of laboratory work (ÔlabworkÕ) in science teaching at the levels of upper secondary school and the first two years of undergraduate study, in physics, chemistry, and biology. Various forms of labwork have been identified and investigated, including ÔtypicalÕ activities in which pairs of students work on activities following precise instructions, open-ended project work in which students design and carry out empirical investigations, and the use of modern technologies for modelling, simulating and data processing. The main objectives of the project were to clarify and differentiate learning objectives for labwork, and to conduct investigations yielding information that might be used in the design of labwork approaches that are as effective as possible in promoting student learning. A survey was conducted to allow for better description of existing labwork practices in the countries involved. There are great variations from country to country in the time devoted to labwork, the assessment of studentsÕ performance in labwork and the equipment available. However, the forms of labwork activity used between countries are remarkably similar. In each country, the most frequent activity involves students following precise instructions in pairs or threes. A document has been produced describing the place of labwork in science education in each country. A second survey was conducted to study the learning objectives attributed to labwork by teachers. There are some differences between countries in terms of the relative importance given to the teaching of laboratory skills. Motivation for science learning is not attributed particularly high status as an objective for labwork learning. In each country, the main goal for labwork teaching in the view of teachers surveyed concerns enabling students to form links Ôbetween theory and practiceÕ. A third piece of survey work was conducted to investigate the images of science drawn upon by students during labwork, and the image of science conveyed to students by teachers during labwork. These surveys were based upon the hypothesis that epistemological and sociological ideas about science are prominent during labwork. 22 case studies were carried out in order to clarify the variety of knowledge, attitudes and competencies that can be promoted through labwork. The case studies focused upon both empirical labwork and labwork involving computer modelling and simulation. The work has resulted in an analysis of the effectiveness of labwork, leading to recommendations about policy. It is hoped that teachers and policy makers with responsibilities in science education generally, and labwork in particular, will find these useful in informing future practice with respect to possible objectives for labwork, links between objectives, methods of organisation of labwork and ways of observing and evaluating the effectiveness of labwork in promoting student learning. * WORKING PAPER 9 * Category Based Analysis of Videotapes from Labwork (CBAV) Method and Results from Four Case-Studies Hans Niedderer, Andre Tiberghien, Christian Buty, Kerstin Haller, Lorenz Hucke, Florian Sander, Hans Fischer, Horst Schecker, Stefan v. Aufschnaiter, Manuela Welzel