Project-based learning: improving student engagement and performance in the laboratory

As educators, we frequently reflect upon courses and think of new ways to surmount obstacles to student learning. Some challenges for analytical chemistry students in the laboratory are performing an analysis with a high level of accuracy and precision, correctly interpreting data, and clearly communicating scientific results. Lack of motivation and engagement could be barriers to learning if the importance of the work is not clear to the student. Incorporation of problem-based or project-based laboratories is a potential solution as these types of laboratory experiences require students to independently work through the steps necessary to answer a real-world question such as “did the athlete take performance enhancing drugs?” According to the Buck Institute for Education [1], project-based learning is defined as