Background

There are numerous learning styles described in the literature. In this study two of these different approaches to learning were examined; surface learning and deep learning. Many core differences exist between these learning styles, but primarily deep learning should encourage the students to understand the subject, not just memorise the basics of the subject, which is the case in surface learning. This is done through active engagement of dialogue between the teacher and the student and not through passive (or remote) learning. The outcome of deep learning is thus an ability to assimilate the subject matter and not just memorisation to obtain competence (i.e. pass exams).

Methods

There are many ways in which students can be encouraged to adopt the deep approach to learning. Three such methods are through establishing learning outcomes, through a variety of different teaching methods (e.g. student participation and teacher led activities), and through appropriate assessment. The effectiveness of these approaches was examined on a group of MSc students during a lecture entitled ‘Introduction to Laboratory Experimentation’. This lecture was important in terms of student progression into the laboratory and it was therefore essential that the students fully understood everything that was covered in the lecture and did not forget it as soon as they left the room. For this purpose it was important to ensure that the students did not take the surface approach to learning but adopted the deep approach to learning.

A worksheet was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the teaching session. In addition an evaluation form was used to obtain feedback on the teaching approaches used.

Results

After the lecture the students completed the worksheet and did very well, with marks ranging from 57% to 93% (average mark 73%). The feedback from the evaluation form was also positive but informative and has led to further development of this lecture (see below).

Conclusion

The evidence from the worksheet marks indicated that the students left the session with a better understanding of laboratory calculations.

Reflection

The main limitation to this study was proving that deep learning was achieved. However, the students progressed into their laboratory projects and did very well. A laboratory day has now been introduced to take place the day after the lecture to re-in-force the lecture material covered.