Importance of Science Laboratory
School labs have become an integral part of modern education. When we refer to a school lab in science, we typically mean facilities where students can practically apply the theories they have learned from textbooks. Practical labs are indispensable in today’s education system, which emphasizes the application of knowledge. In this write-up, we will discuss the significance of practical labs, their necessity, and how they support students in integrated learning that encompasses both theory and practice.
The psychology behind
There are various learning theories in psychology like behaviorism, constructivism, etc. Going into each of them to discover and explain the relevance of practical labs would be an unnecessary thing considering our objective for this write up. However, the most generic reason that justifies the existence of practical labs is the “theory of reinforced learning”. Human brains are prone to forgetting learned things and it takes no more than twenty minutes for the process of forgetting to start after having learned something.
The process of forgetting is the very essential functioning part of our very complicated brain and neuron system. To counteract the process of forgetting, teachers need to reinforce learning in students which is famously known as the theory of “reinforced learning”. Reinforcement of learning must be done by repeating the lessons to students. Practical lab is turning out to be a meaningful tool in the process of reinforced learning and helping educators and students alike. When the practical applications of the learned theories are applied in labs, along with application reinforcement of learning also takes place. This very well explains the relevance of practical labs in schools.
Increasing relevance of STEM
The era of smartphone and Internet technology has brought about dynamic changes in the way education is imparted. The future prospect looks bleak for traditional degree holders in the field of humanity and commerce as artificial intelligence and 3D manufacturing technology are all set to take over the process of production, distribution and accouting in coming years. The increasing relevance of science and technology in every human field has prompted education experts to describe future job prospects heavily dependent on STEM i.e, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Experts are of the opinion that students who excel in the STEM will stand a chance in the future Job market. No wonder that ‘science and technology’ as a subject is looked upon as the only future guarantor for students. In view of the changing scenario, it has become extremely important that students get enough of practical demonstration in school labs for better learning.
In view of the above mentioned points and explanations, it is clear that practical labs are an indispensable part of modern day education. Practical labs from school level helps students to develop the habit of application of oriented learning right from the beginning. It also enables students to learn more and helps to clear whatever doubts they might have had during theory class. Above all, it is impossible to learn the subject of science with clear comcepts without practical labs which in itself is a valid reason for each and every school to have practical lab