The Patterns of Collaboration in hands-on and Computer-Automated Labs

Learning in the laboratory is a discovery process where students learn by physically manipulating the laboratory apparatus and collaborating with team members. However, the development of new information technology makes new types of labs available but also presents a paradox. Advocates and detractors of different lab modalities can be found. A full-text review of sixty articles indicates that group collaboration might be very important to explain the debate over different labs but often ignored. In this research, I focus on identifying behavioral patterns of small groups in performing laboratory activities. Founded on activity theory, I proposed a conceptual model describing the relationship among group collaboration patterns, the openness of the lab instruction, the closeness of the group, the interactivity of the lab interface, and students’ learning performance. Hypotheses are developed and research methodologies are introduced to test these hypotheses. This research has a broader implication for theories, education, and the industry.