Stay-at-home laboratory experiments - A case study of student motivation

• Background: Studies have reported that as many as 60 % of all students learn in a practical manner, rather than theoretically. However, Internet courses, tight budgets and increasing student numbers augments the demand for laboratory experiments carried out off the university premises. Methods: This pilot study was performed to investigate whether laboratory experiments in physiology performed at home are motivating for, stimulates depth understanding and increases student learning. Pharmacy students were recruited to the project from a five-week physiology course, and were given instruc tions on four stay-at-home experiments. These experiments were then discussed at a seminar. In conjunction to this seminar, a simple survey was filled in by the students. Comments: Our results indicated that this method of learning would be appreciated by the students. Stay-at-home laboratory experiments can never take the place of ordinary laboratory experiments, but could be beneficial as a supplement, not the least by introducing an everyday perspective to the students, allowing them to reflect on connections and relations in every day life.

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