Workshop on Open Ended Laboratory (OEL) and Tips for Laboratory Report Writing

On March 29, 2024, from 3.00 PM to 5.00 PM, all students of CEEC110 (Diploma in Civil Engineering) took part in an insightful online workshop titled “Open Ended Laboratory (OEL) and Tips for Laboratory Report Writing”. Organized by the OEL Unit, Civil Engineering Studies, UiTM Cawangan Pulau Pinang, the session aimed to deepen students' understanding of the OEL approach while equipping them with essential skills for effective scientific reporting. The workshop started with an overview of the Open Ended Laboratory (OEL) concept, highlighting its significance in encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and independent learning. Unlike traditional lab sessions that follow a fixed procedure, OEL empowers students to explore diverse methodologies, examine real-world applications, and propose innovative solutions.
Following the introductory segment, participants were guided through best practices for writing clear, structured, and impactful laboratory reports. Key points covered included:
• Structuring reports with a clear flow: introduction, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion
• Presenting data effectively through tables, graphs, and illustrations
• Ensuring clarity and precision in findings
• Avoiding common mistakes, disorganized content, and improper referencing
The session concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where students asked thoughtful questions on applying OEL strategies and refining their report-writing techniques. The OEL Unit expressed appreciation for the student's active participation and encouraged them to implement the insights gained in their future laboratory work. Overall, the workshop was a highly beneficial learning experience, strengthening students’ competencies in both their lab skills and report writing. The OEL Unit looks forward to organizing more such initiatives to continue fostering academic excellence and hands-on learning.