Video protocol : an effective tool in learning practical biological sciences.

Abstract

Up to this date, there seems to be no conclusive evidence that shows how video protocol can be an effective tool for students to prepare for their practical sessions. The aim of this experiment is to find out how the general audience, students from Junior Colleges (JCs) and Polytechnic schools, and freshmen from the Nanyang Technological University School of Biological Sciences (NTU-SBS) see the effectiveness of video protocol in preparing them for practical sessions. Our data showed that 55.8% of the general audience, 73.4% of JC and Polytechnic school students, and 69.7% of NTU-SBS students indicated that they preferred having a video protocol as a platform for experimental protocol. In addition, 92.2% of the general audience agreed that a video demonstration enhances learning, whilst 95.2% of JC and polytechnic students and 90.9% of NTU-SBS freshmen reported that they are more confident in carrying out the experimental protocol after watching a video demonstration. Given the figures, this study shows that a video protocol, along with a printed laboratory protocol, can be an effective tool for students to prepare for their practical sessions.