Applying Kolb's Experiential Learning Cycle for Laboratory Education |
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| Authors: | Mahmoud Abdulwahed Zoltan K Nagy |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Engineering Center of Excellence in Teaching and Learning Loughborough University;2. Mahmoud Abdulwahed's main research interest is in the integration of IT and Cybernetics into social sciences. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. degree at the Engineering Center of Excellence in Teaching and Learning and the Chemical Engineering Department, Loughborough University, United Kingdom.;3. Chemical Engineering Department Loughborough University;4. Zoltan K Nagy is senior lecturer in the Chemical Engineering Department, Loughborough University since 2005. Prior to his current position Z.K. Nagy has held teaching and research positions at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, USA, University of Stuttgart, Germany, ETH, Zurich, Switzerland, University of Heidelberg, Germany, and the “Babes‐Bolyai” University of Cluj, Romania. Dr. Nagy is the recipient of the 2007 Royal Academy of Engineering and ExxonMobile Excellence in Teaching Award. |
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| Abstract: | This paper describes a model for laboratory education based on Kolb's experiential learning theory. The method is implemented using modern teaching technologies and a combination of remote, virtual, and hands‐on laboratory sessions and have been applied to the teaching of the undergraduate process control laboratory at the Chemical Engineering Department at Loughborough University, United Kingdom. An argument that poor learning in the laboratory is due to insufficient activation of the prehension dimension of Kolb's cycle was suggested and verified, providing a pedagogical explanation. The quantitative analysis showed significant enhancement of the learning outcomes of the experimental group compared with the control group. Apart from the hands‐on session, the proposed model involves additional activities, such as pre‐ and post‐lab tests and virtual laboratory sessions, which are associated with Kolb's cycle to facilitate constructivist learning. The paper provides the first laboratory education model that builds thoroughly on Kolb's experiential learning theory. |
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| Keywords: | Kolb's experiential learning laboratory engineering education remote and virtual laboratories |
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