Work Group 2 Position Paper: Experiments and Laboratory Work in Teacher Education

Abstract

The paper summarizes the results of discussion of the work group that focused on different aspects of experiments and laboratory work in teacher education. The discussion evolved around the following four guiding questions: What is the role of experiments in learning physics in general?; What are the labs supposed to help students learn?; How to achieve these goals in practice?; and How do we help future teachers develop skills/knowledge/competences so they will be successful in achieving these goals? About 30 participants shared their experience, views and ideas. The resulting views are summarized into general findings and recommendations.