An effective way to measure practical intelligence from a laboratory experience

Abstract

Hands-on laboratory classes have always been valued for the practical experience gained by engineering and science students. An effective way to measure practical intelligence might provide a useful way to compare the learning utility of hands-on laboratory classes with alternatives such as simulations, virtual laboratories and remote access laboratories. A study with an on-line practical intelligence survey instrument has demonstrated that first year electrical engineering student’s gain significant practical intelligence from laboratory class experiences when compared with a control group. A further study showed that practical intelligence predicts students’ ability to diagnose faults in related equipment.