The conduct of Science Practical for Working adults in an Open and Distance (ODL) setting

1. The conduct of Science Practical for Working adults in an Open and Distance(ODL) setting T. Santhanadass P. Rajesh Kumar Faculty of Science & Technology, Open University Malaysia

2. Introduction OUM B. Ed (Sc)-OUM OUM practical limitation The processes Some issues Contents

3. Laboratory activities are an important component in science based programmes They help students understand the basic concepts in science. - Tobin, K.G (1990) concluded, that “laboratory activities appeal as a way to learn with understanding and, at the same time, engage in a process of constructing knowledge by doing science”. Introduction

4. According to Kerr(1963),there are many aims of laboratory practical work. Some of them are to encourage accurate observations and careful reasoning, promote simple, common sense, scientific methods of thought, to verify scientific, and to maintain interest in science subjects. Laboratory practical also enable students to plan and involve themselves in various activities such as observing, classifying, collecting data, explaining, while carrying out the experiment.

5. OUM is an open distance learning institution with an enrolment of over 100,000 learners spread over 60 learning centres throughout Malaysia OUM blends the learning approach to suit the needs of its adult learners. The blended learning approachencompasses face-to-face tutorial sessions, self-managed learning e-learning or online learning that is facilitated by an online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Laboratory session (for science subjects) Open University Malaysia (OUM)

6. The B. Ed (Sc) programme consists of core science courses such as chemistry, physics and biology. There is a mandatory laboratory component for these courses. OUM believes in providing “hands-on” laboratory practical sessions for students to strengthen their understanding of concepts that they have studiedfrom their modules. OUM is NOT in anyway providing lesser amount of knowledge, skills and information for their lab courses compared to conventional universities –adhere’s to MQA guidelines We provide space for students to develop their practical skills to be on par with other science graduates. B. Ed (Sc) programme in OUM

7. ODL providers tend to offer laboratory practicals in different modes as follows: Home study kits (at home) Virtual Labs Conventional labs (over certain week long) On weekends (labs) - OUM Options

8. COST!!! (for student and for the university)if we build labs at learning centers Student distribution. Working adults. Chemical storage Equipment maintenance Safety issues Why do we rent labs?

9. The processes……..

10. 2 months before: Faculty executive will collate information on the number of students registered for the courses with laboratory components at the respective learning centers from the registry. The program coordinator (PC) will Identify and finalize lab centers( lab center–public uni labs) Lab application letter with complete detail of manpower requirement is sent out to the lab center The preparation

11. Date and time of the lab sessions Student attendance list / mark sheet Practical schedule Safety procedures Responsibilities of Lab coordinator and Demonstrator List of experiments List of apparatus needed Proposed payment rates Guidelines in marking laboratory reports Important datelines The letter consists of a “lab kit” with the following information:

12. Lab coordinator is responsible in organizing the lab session at the selected university. Reporting to Program coordinator (OUM) Lab Coordinator (LC) Demonstrator • Demonstrator will be heading each lab and demonstrates the experiments with the students • Reporting to Lab coordinator

13. Demonstrator

14. LCs will be invited to OUM main campus to brief on the roles and responsibilities. review the list of the experiments. Suggest alternative experiments in the case of the unavailability of certain apparatus/equipment discuss assessment & grading of students’ lab reports. discuss administrative matters - deadlines, payments etc Meeting with the LC - 2 weeks before practical session…

15. Faculty executive will upload the lab announcement in the My faculty announcement in MyVLE (OUM Portal) The announcement contains: Lab schedule, date, time, place and name list Laboratory rules and requirements (lab coats, shoes and safety goggle) 2 weeks before

16. Laboratory sessions are conducted for two sessions (two days) on any scheduled weekend. Students need to attend both days and complete 5-6 experiments. Each experiment can be completed within two hours and three experiments are completed per day (approx 6-8 hours). Students are given two weeks to complete their laboratory reports, which are graded by the laboratory coordinator. Laboratory reports contribute to 10-15 % of the final grade for science courses which have a laboratory component On the day

18. Student will submit their written lab reports to the LC. LC will update the mark in OMES and submit the claim forms. PC will verify the marks in OMES Executive will compile all the documents Budget coordinator verify the claims Dean approves the claims. 2 weeks after practical session

19. Some issues…. • Space constraints (20-25 students per lab) • Date constraints (limited weekends) • Remuneration (LC demands) • Rural areas (cost of traveling)

20. Thank you..