Improving the Learning Process of Environmental Engineering Laboratory

This paper will outline an alternative to the cookbook approach to conducting the undergraduate laboratory experience. The concept relies on the undergraduate students, working in teams, to design and conduct experiments. The instructor acts as a mentor and resource during the process, and insures quality of the laboratory exercise without having to be the sole responsible party. By taking ownership of the experiment, the students' learning is increased and the laboratory experience is enhanced. This is due, in part, to experiments being tailored to the students' needs and interests which is a result of their direct involvement. Finally, concepts of team building and experimental design are introduced. Surveys and testing of students involved in this approach suggest a strong positive outcome. Objective outcome assessments of participating groups over several years of using this approach have defined pitfalls to be avoided by the instructor.