Use of lab books to encourage reflection

At the start of the module, students are presented with all practical material via WebCT. The practical material is presented as a series of challenges that are designed to both improve their understanding of the taught material and develop associated technical skills. The material is subdivided into weekly elements based on book chapters. The students are expected to undertake the practical challenges and to incorporate evidence of successful completion in their Lab Book. Additionally, they are asked to answer questions based upon the completed work that reinforce their understanding and also enable reflection on the learnt materia; these are also included in the Lab Book. During the course of each practical, the academic(s) discuss the progress of each student in completing the practical challenges. This is designed to achieve two effects. First, ensuring that students are completing the weekly challenges and second, that they understand the taught material. Any students with difficulties are immediately identified and helped. It also enables identification of whole class areas of misunderstanding that can be addressed in subsequent lectures. The last challenge is unseen until half way through the module. Inherently, students receive immediate feedback on each challenge they complete. Students are also able to discuss their response to the reflective questions but are not given direct assistance in formulating their response. The Lab Book is end assessed in sufficient time to provide feedback before the examination. The elements that accrue the most marks are the responses to the reflective questions and the unseen challenge.