Enhancement of learning through the use of video protocols.

Abstract

In SBS, practical lessons have an important role in equipping students with the relevant knowledge and skills. Laboratory protocols are usually provided in print, followed by a briefing. However, according to Dale's cone of experience, reading and audio instructions provide less concrete learning experience. Although hands-on learning and demonstration provides greater concrete learning experience, they are less feasible. Thus, we investigate the use of video protocol in guiding the students through the experiments. We made two video protocols of the printed BS1001 protocols. The camera Canon Powershot SX20 IS was used for filming. The video editing program used was Cyberlink PowerDirector v.11. The two BS1001 experiments were carried out according to the protocol, with the addition of extra information to further enhance the students' learning. Three separate surveys were carried out to obtain the feedback from the general public, SBS year one students and the prospective SBS students. We can see that a great percentage of the students felt that they are more confident of carrying out the experiment after watching the video, as compared to if they were only given a printed protocol. Also, majority of the students felt that the video has enhanced their knowledge. However, this is a preliminary experiment, and further research has to be done to prove the experiment statistically.