Abstract
Achieving practical objectives in an open distance educational system is a real challenge. Its philosophy requires self-instructional materials that students can study at their own time, place, and pace. Practical work, in particular laboratory work, can test the limits of this philosophy. A new way of thinking about practical work and modern electronic media make it possible to develop a natural sciences degree program with a minimum amount of laboratory sessions and, hopefully, to pursue practical aims which are useful in the student's later profession. The way the Open University of the Netherlands has been developing a practical program according to these starting points is discussed in the first part of this paper. Examples of alternatives for traditional practical work are described in more detail in the second part. Advantages and disadvantages with regards to traditional practical work are discussed.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Clackson, S. G., and Wright, D. K. (1992). An appraisal of practical work in science education.School Science Review 74: 39–42.
Conway, R. G., Mendoza, E., and Read, F. H. (1963). The seminar method of teaching experimental physics.Bulletin of the Institute of Physical Society 14: 330–332.
Hodson, D. (1988). Experiments in science and science teaching.Educational Philosophy and Theory 20: 53–66.
Hodson, D. (1992). Redefining and reorienting practical work in school science.School Science Review 73: 65–78.
Hofstein, A., and Lunetta, V. N. (1982). The role of the laboratory in science teaching: Neglected aspects of research.Review of Educational Research 52: 201–217.
Huisman, W., and De Vries, F. (1991).Functions and design of educational simulation programs. Report, Centre for Educational Technology, Heerlen: Open universiteit.
Kirschner, P. A. (1992).Practicals in Higher Education, Lemma, Utrecht
Kirschner, P. A., and Meester, M. A. M. (1988). The laboratory in higher science education: problems, premises and objectives.Higher Education 17: 81–98.
Kirschner, P. A., Meester, M. A. M., and Middelbeek, E. M. (1991). Practical objectives at the Open University of the Netherlands.Journal of Distance Education VI: 5–27.
Leinders, J. J. M., Beyderwellen, W., Wigman, M. C. S., and Smit, O. E. (1989).Plate tectonics, Open University of the Netherlands, Heerlen.
Leinders, J. J. M., Drury, S. A., Rothery, D. A., Kirschner, P. A., Beyderwellen, W., and Smit, O. E. (1992).Remote sensing, Open University of the Netherlands, Heerlen.
Moore, C., Smith, S., and Avner, R. A. (1980). Facilitation of laboratory performance through CAI.Journal of Chemical Education 57: 196–198.
Nota open unversiteiten in Nederland [Policy paper open universities in the Netherlands]. (1979). Lower House of Parliament, session 1978-1979, 14400, nrs. 3-4, The Hague: Staatsuitgeveriji.
Niesink, R. J. M., Drijver-DeHaas, J. S., Kirschner, P. A., and De Vries, F. J. (1989).General Toxicology 2, Open University of the Netherlands, Heerlen.
Toothacker, W. S. (1983). A critical look at introductory laboratory instruction.American Journal of Physics 51: 516–520.
Westerterp-Plantenga, M. S., Van Bon, J., Brunsting, A. M., Van Dijk, H., Hols-Elders, W. P. M., Huisman, W., Jonker, A., Kirschner, P. A., and Van Rhijn, J. G. (1987).Biology of Populations and Behavior, Open University of the Netherlands, Heerlen.
Wolf, H. C. de. (1985).Open onderwijs of de voortdurende beweging can lerende mensen [Open education of the constant movement of people learning]. Inaugural lecture on the acceptance of the position of professor in the theory and history of education. Samson uitgeverij bv, Alphen aan de Rijn.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Meester, M.A.M., Kirschner, P.A. Practical work at the Open University of the Netherlands. J Sci Educ Technol 4, 127–140 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02214053
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02214053