Abstract

The laboratory-based Optics course was envisioned by the Department as a bridge to upper-level laboratory courses, thus students must display increased initiative and collaborative skills. In recent years since the pandemic began, it appears student initiative has declined. Activities within the course have been refined and new ones developed to build technical skills such as problem solving and optical design. New activities have been developed as well to build soft skills, for example, self-awareness, time management and adaptability. The new activities appear to improve soft skill development. Technical skill development was positive, however it is not clear that the revisions resulted in a significant improvement.

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