Tutoring and Demonstrating - Teaching In a Laboratory

Teaching in a Laboratory or Practical Class

Most of the advice about tutoring in this guide applies equally to the role of demonstrator. Demonstrators have similar obligations to those who teach in other small group settings: being prepared and being familiar with the subject matter - in this case with the experiment or procedures to be conducted.

Especially in the sciences, health sciences and engineering fields, labs and practical classes provide opportunities for students to connect theory and practice, to engage in problem-solving, to work collaboratively in teams, to learn standard techniques, to develop manual skills, and to learn how to write research reports.

What is the role of the demonstrator? Some people don't consider demonstrating to be teaching, but it most surely is. Unfortunately, the term 'demonstrator' is misleading because it tends to conjure up images of someone who shows students certain techniques and methods, which students presumably later replicate. Certainly, demonstrators are expected to explain techniques with which students may not be familiar (if only for expediency's sake), and it is usually necessary to instruct students in the operation of laboratory equipment if students are using it for the first time. But the role of demonstrator hardly ends there. In fact, effective demonstrators play many roles in the laboratory, and the opportunities this form of teaching provides for one-to-one interaction or discussion in small groups make for rewarding experiences.

One of the other myths about demonstrating is that it is a less intensive task than tutoring. This is not the case. It is important to see the role of demonstrator in active terms - don't imagine that you will be able to stand back and play trouble-shooter while students work more or less autonomously. You may well be able to do this, but this is not the role for which you are employed. Your role is to teach - to make contact one-to-one with all students each session, to probe student understanding, to be intellectually provocative, and so on. Effective demonstrators have a great deal of get-up-and-go, and are a friendly thorn in the students' side.

Demonstrator roles

Questioner Perhaps the most significant role of demonstrators is to probe student understanding of theoretical and conceptual principles. Laboratory exercises should not be conducted mechanically without an eye for the central principle. In the main part, the demonstrator's role is to remind students of the intent of the exercise and to invite them to make connections to the bigger picture. This means employing a comprehensive questioning technique.

Expert consultant Students also need answers and clear direction. Students may need someone to turn to if they are unsure about procedural steps, uncertain about what they are expected to observe or record, or unclear about the objectives of the learning experience. The demonstrator needs to be on hand and willing to offer expert, authoritative advice and commentary.

Salvage agent Occasionally (or maybe even regularly) things will go awry. Equipment does not always perform as expected, experiments may not turn up what was anticipated, and mishaps can occur. Treat these serendipities as opportunities for learning! Bear in mind, and stress to students, that the learning outcomes for a practical class are more to do with the process than an end product.

Time manager Time is precious in many laboratory classes and students must work to a tight schedule. Even though students have responsibilities for their own time management, demonstrators probably should play a role too. This means keeping an eye on the progress of individuals and groups, and identifying and heading off potential blockage points in the procedures.

Professional model It is easy to overlook the fact that students see you as a role model. Your attitude towards inquiry, the reporting of findings, your behaviour in the lab, all send messages about the standards of the scientific method and what it is to be a professional in your discipline.

Person of responsibility Don't forget that in most labs there are health and safety considerations. You need to be familiar with procedures for an emergency and for the reporting of accidents. Take note of the location of fire extinguishers, fire blankets, safety showers and other safety equipment. You may need to be the first to act in an accident or emergency. As a precaution, remind students of hazards in any procedure they are undertaking, and point out the safety features of the laboratory.

Problem-based learning

Clinical tutoring

Next chapter: Chapter 7: Assessment, feedback and support

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