A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION OF UNDERGRADUATE PHYSICS LABORATORY INSTRUCTION OFFERED AT IGNOU

In the undergraduate physics laboratory, a student is expected to make precise measurements, hone investigative skills and discover the interplay between experimentation and fundamental principles underlying physical phenomena. But in India, the mainstream conventional UG physics laboratory instruction has all along been cookbook in nature. In such a scenario, incorporating innovative and meaningful laboratory experience in Open and Distance Education programmes becomes a formidable challenge. Recently we evaluated the physics laboratory courses, which are integral to the B.Sc (Physics) programme of IGNOU offered at a distance, for their quality, relevance and effectiveness. Our findings reveal that these courses are being received well particularly by those students who are pursuing the B.Sc (Major) in Physics. The success rates improve as learners evolve in the system and their satisfaction levels are high. However, factor analysis of learners' perceptions brings forth six factors guided approach, student-centered learning and assessment, emphasis on self-learning, use of multimedia and innovative non-conventional teaching strategies, increased student participation and emphasis on problem solving as key determinants for further improving the quality of learning in physics laboratory.