Flipped Laboratories: Engaging Experiences in Virtual, Real, and Open-Ended Labs

Heng Soon Kok; Chin Voon Sia Charlie; Irene Yang

Authors

Heng Soon Kok Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Chin Voon Sia Charlie Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Irene Yang Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

Keywords:

Flipped classroom, virtual lab, open-ended lab, engagement, pre-lab

Abstract

The flipped classroom instructional approach, known for inverting classroom and homework activities, has gained traction in practical laboratory classes. However, engaging students during the pre-lab activities remains a challenge. To tackle this issue, a gamified pre-lab activity was implemented in a second-year undergraduate engineering course. This innovative approach included an escape room-style game and a virtual laboratory simulator. Students immersed themselves in the game and conducted virtual experiments before participating in the open-ended hands-on lab session, following the flipped approach. Survey results using a Likert scale demonstrated a significant improvement in student engagement due to the gamified pre-lab activity. The flipped approach not only shows promise in motivating students to grasp key concepts, but also provides valuable insights for educators in designing interactive pre-lab activities that can be adapted across various disciplines.