| Abstract: | Some conclusions This study has demonstrated the feasibility of improving the laboratory performance of freshman chemistry students through planned skill practice activities. However, no differences were found among the specific practice strategies which were employed. Mental practice of laboratory techniques represents the most efficient strategy in terms of the necessary laboratory resources. Although mental practice alone was not expected to be as effective as physical practice, this study’s findings proved to be an exception to the implications of earlier reported literature. However, if one accepts the argument that prior experience with the appropriate apparatus during the pretest experiment and/or high school courses was significant, then this study is consistent with the implications of the proposed model. Thus mental practice, to be fully effective, should be associated with prior experience of the task. Evaluation of such findings should relate to the degree of improvement which was found relative to the investment of student time and laboratory resources in the practice activities. A more detailed discussion of the study is provided elsewhere (Beasley, 1978). |
