Introducing Video-Recorded Lab Experiments into Assignments for Surface and Colloid Chemistry Students

Abstract

This communication describes our initial experience modifying traditional (written and calculation-based) assignments in the surface and colloid chemistry course given as a part of the chemical engineering program. The new exercises contain a more relatable context that is easier to understand and remember in terms of future challenges in student’s professional career. These modified exercises deepen the level of the exercise by adding the working principle of the measurement and visualization of a lab experiment, instead of simply requiring the student to solve a set of problems. All videos were made and edited using in-house instrumentation and easily accessible tools (tripods, mobile phones, etc.). Analysis of the result of these new assignments showed that the average score was slightly below the means for the other exercises; interestingly, however, the students needed fewer attempts to solve these, which was possibly a sign of a better initial understanding of the questions. Furthermore, through a postassignment survey, we found that many students had a positive attitude toward this new form of introducing exercises and, in general, found them more engaging. Still, some comments pointed out a few shortcomings of the new type of exercises, which will be considered while continuously improving the existing exercises and formulating new ones. Overall, encouraged by the feedback, we plan to continue modifying the content of the assignments using this approach and consider other use of the prepared videos, for example, for instrument training purposes or promotional materials for the research group.