1. Enhancing laboratory experience using Questionmark and feedback loops to drive decision-based learning Dr. Steve Tucker Senior Teaching Fellow School of Medical Sciences University of Aberdeen

7. ? ~40% of Medical Science students go on to do research Strong possibility that they will encounter Western blots Who needs to know about Western blots? Lectures on theory Some limited practical demonstrations How do we teach about Western blots?

8. Clearly, practical "hands-on" experience is desirable Not feasible....... - cost - large classes - complex multistage technique - time constraints - technically challenging

9. Rationale: To design an interactive tool to enrich student experience of Western blotting To represent the protocol as a series of connected decisions each with consequences presented in the form of feedback Projected outcomes: Enhanced student understanding of this fundamental technique Reinforcement of correct principles, avoidance of mistakes Safe, low cost, interactive experience of Western blotting

10. Questionmark Design: Map WB protocol out as a series of decisions Design this as a series of questions that lead student through protocol Answers to the questions determines student progress through the experiment Will also influence quality of result at the end of the experiment Students learn interactively about practical aspects through this process

11. Flexible use: Use in lectures/tutorials Structure like a dry practical session Embed in practical courses Remote/online access Assessment (formative/summative)

19. Outcome……

20. Thanks for your attention….. Questions?