Labs in rotations
The unpredictable and sensory-overwhelming environment of the laboratory can be inherently challenging.
This challenge can be reduced through improved predictability and adjustments such as having smaller lab group sizes, and activities which make the laboratory experience more predictable.
One student with ASD and anxieties shared their experiences of how lab rotations helped to provide a routine which makes the lab seem like a less turbulent environment. Pre-lab quizzes helped them to feel prepared, and to know what to expect in the lab. This helps to build self-confidence and to provide some certainty and security before stepping into the lab. Having a consistent demonstrator also helps them to feel more comfortable about asking for help and makes the demonstrators seem more approachable.
Reducing lab group sizes from 70 to 25 is an effective adjustment that benefits multiple students. Smaller groups create a calmer environment with lower noise levels.
Techniques to manage work and the shared work area are also helpful, such as using page markers to temporarily label things; ensuring benches are decluttered and tallying how many times a procedure has been repeated keeps everything running smoothly.
Having a good lab partner, with mutual understanding of each other鈥檚 strengths and weaknesses is important for excelling in the lab. Having regular routine changes in lab partner can also help to mitigate the impact of any more challenging lab partner relationships.
Decreased lab sizes, from 70 students clamorously smashing glassware in a cavernously-large lab, to lots of classroom-sized labs of 25, helps with the daunting task of entering the lab and getting on with your own work. When you're not worrying about a hall of people looking at you for a conical flask smashing, it becomes easier to succeed.