The issue of surface learning in labs – How to promote deeper learning from both educators and students’ perspectives

Abstract

Connecting the theoretical knowledge with application, laboratory practicies play a great role in higher education expecially for science, engineering and medicine students. This report aims to identify the major issues/problems associated with surface learning in labs, and suggests a set of alternative practices to promote deep learning approach in lab environments. We identified that the problem of surface learning in labs is associated with the two main pillars of teaching/learning activity - namely educatiors and students - and they occur pre, during and after laboratory activities. With the suggestions given in this report, we believe the students can adopt deep learning approach and the learning outcomes reach the relational level of SOLO taxonomy.