Student Perceptions of an Introductory Laboratory Course

Abstract

We surveyed students taking an introductory university physics laboratory course over the summer. These students are science majors, but not physics majors. Eighteen students were interviewed, asked what they thought the purpose of the laboratory course was. Student perceptions of the purpose of the laboratory course and about what they liked and did not like about the course will be shared. These student responses lead to implications for instruction and implications for improving communication among faculty, teaching assistants, and students.