Identification and reduction of critical errors in basic laboratory practical: utilizing video tutorials as a tool for enhancing efficiency

Abstract

Practical laboratory training is a cornerstone of education in all chemistry-related disciplines at universities. The primary goal is to teach students the correct execution of fundamental laboratory practical, which serves as a foundation for more complex, specialized techniques that are crucial for their professional careers. Laboratory practice can be challenging to master, as it requires the seamless integration of theoretical knowledge with practical application. Students often struggle to comprehend these methods and to identify key information during their studies, which was the key issue that this study focused on. To address the main research question, it was necessary to produce highly effective instructional videos that identified critical steps, which students often overlook, leading to incorrect execution of fundamental laboratory practical. In the first part of the study, these critical steps were identified by instructors of laboratory practical in first-year university students for two basic techniques: filling a volumetric flask in a pH experiment and vacuum filtration using a Büchner funnel. The problematic steps were then incorporated into the creation, filming, editing, addition of effects, and voice-over commentary for the aforementioned techniques. These specially tailored videos were integrated into the curriculum and assessed for their effectiveness in addressing the identified critical steps. The results clearly indicate a significant improvement in the execution of both techniques, with students better recognizing the important steps, and previously incorrect steps being minimized. The incorporation of these customized videos into the curriculum was also supported by the students themselves. Our results suggest that the integration of theoretical knowledge and practical skills is the key factor for success in appropriate laboratory practice and the understanding of individual laboratory techniques. Multimedia materials can assist students in better comprehending the described steps through visualization, thereby reinforcing their theoretical knowledge.