A Large Scale Assessment of the Introductory Courses: Integration of Lecture and Lab

We discuss the integration of the lecture and laboratory in one of the introductory courses. The lecture and laboratory topics are scheduled so that they are covered as much during the same week as possible. The laboratories are research-based. The pedagogies employed in both the lecture and the lab are also research- based. Examples of both will be discussed and include but are not limited to Socratic discussion as opposed to traditional lecture, emphasis on conceptual understanding over rote memorization and a plug-and-chug approach to problem solving, and active rather than passive learning strategies.