EXPERIMENTAL WORK IN FRESHMAN PROJECTS.

ABSTRACT

Forty-three student reports of their second first-year project period from the last two years have been analysed with respect to experimental work. A qualitative model of analysis listing 25 elements of experimental work in 4 groups have been devised. More than 40 % of the students have participated in experimental work of significance, while another 25 % of the students covered a less extensive number of the elements of such work in their projects. Still these projects contained relevant and necessary measurements and observations. The remaining students concentrated their efforts on other relevant learning objectives; some of these projects revealed a few elements of experimental work as well. The listing of elements might be used to guide students intending to do experimental projects.