Turning Laboratory “Failures ” into Student Success

Abstract – Sometimes, a student laboratory exercise will fail. Our normal approach to such an event is to work to prevent its occurrence. Students frequently get frustrated when laboratory results differ from their expectations, and instructors may be embarrassed, disappointed, or even panic-stricken by the outcomes. Laboratory failures can provide excellent learning opportunities for students, however, if they are handled properly. Unexpected laboratory failures can sometimes be capitalized on to seize the teachable moment. Lab exercises can, in fact, be intentionally written to succeed through apparent failure. Results that conform to expectations are not nearly as memorable as surprises that demonstrate something meaningful. Frustration can be replaced by the thrill of discovery and accomplishment. Concepts related to equipment limitations and effective laboratory practice can be demonstrated in memorable ways. This paper explores the orchestration of intentional laboratory exercise “failures ” while providing illustrations based on the author’s experience in circuits and electronics labs