A Preliminary Evaluation of Undergraduate Physics Laboratory Instruction Offered at Ignou

Abstract

In the undergraduate physics laboratory, a student is expected to make precise measurements, hone investigative skills and discover the interplay between experimentation and fundamental principles underlying physical phenomena. But in India, the mainstream conventional UG physics laboratory instruction has all along been cookbook in nature. In such a scenario, incorporating innovative and meaningful laboratory experience in Open and Distance Education programmes becomes a formidable challenge. Recently we evaluated the physics laboratory courses, which are integral to the B.Sc (Physics) programme of IGNOU offered at a distance, for their quality, relevance and effectiveness. Our findings reveal that these courses are being received well particularly by those students who are pursuing the B.Sc (Major) in Physics. The success rates improve as learners evolve in the system and their satisfaction levels are high. However, factor analysis of learners' perceptions brings forth six factors guided approach, student-centered learning and assessment, emphasis on self-learning, use of multimedia and innovative non-conventional teaching strategies, increased student participation and emphasis on problem solving as key determinants for further improving the quality of learning in physics laboratory.

Evaluation of an undergraduate physics programme of Indira Gandhi National Open University: A case study

“…To provide an interactive, creative, and stimulating experience, the physics curriculum in IGNOU places greater emphasis on day-to-day work in the lab, which is accorded 70% of the final grade. The detailed findings have been presented elsewhere (Mishra et al, 2008). It may suffice to say that contrary to the expectations of the purists among academia, learners preferred to earn the maximum possible credits in practical/labbased courses.…”

Pengembangan Media Laboratorium Virtual untuk Mendukung Pembelajaran Praktikum SMA

“…Praktikum dalam pembelajaran fisika digunakan untuk mengaplikasikan konsep dan teori yang telah dipelajari peserta didik (Mishra, Vijayshri & Garg, 2010 pembelajaran fisika tidak hanya meningkatkan pemahaman siswa terhadap materi dan konsep yang telah dipelajari oleh peserta didik. Kegiatan ini juga dapat meningkatkan keterampilan, motivasi dan rasa percaya diri siswa.…”