Advantages
Multiple lab 'walk through' sessions cater to student flexibility by providing progressive skill development across the duration of the course (as opposed to a single session). Enhances potential employability by encouraging students to assume roles familiar to their discipline (for example, camera operators, analysts, spokespeople, editors etc.) as part of a collaborative approach to generating a class
project
comprised of individual contributions. Easily transfers between disciplines, especially those where progressive skill-building, collaboration and
creative
output is desired.
Challenges
Some students are reticent to participate in labs (this is addressed by providing a 'walk-through' session that couples with each
practical
session).
Not easily implemented in large cohorts. Best facilitated by smaller class sizes and support staff.
Tips for implementation
Be prepared to guide students where necessary. Some liaising with students to help resolve intermittent issues with group work may be necessary.
How it supports academic integrity
Scaffolded and laboratory-based learning encourages the development of skills during contact hours (making it easy to identity verify student contributions and engagement). Students are required to generate original and creative content as a class in an approach designed to encourage ownership, which serve as potential deterrents to academic misconduct.