An Expanded Observation of Student Perceptions Regarding Hybrid Student-Designed and Step-by-Step Lab Experimental Procedures

First-year students are often provided step-by-step directions in hands-on, lab-based learning environments. By allowing more experimental procedure autonomy, students may be able to improve their understanding and develop additional skills in experimental design. The aim of involving students in experimental procedure design is to enhance learning and engagement, force critical thinking, and reinforce the idea that engineers are problem solvers. Over six first-year engineering mechanics labs, students were instructed to develop their own experimental procedure. An optional post-lab survey was used to collect information from the students about their experiences, perceived levels of understanding of the material covered, and enjoyment in these labs. This paper describes student perceptions associated with student-led experimental procedures. The student feedback surveys results indicated that 62% of students perceived the process of experimental procedure design to be helpful in their learning and 47% indicated that it resulted in an increased level of enjoyment.