Some feedback about biomolecules course, which I assisted first time this year.
1) language
I was only native Finn assisting these practicals... and I was NOT allowed to speak any Finnish during the course. This I did not like and I found necessary to help students in Finnish at their first lab course.. where they did not know words for equipment and glassware etc. BUT If I get caught Lloyd admonished me about it INFRONT of students. (I did not like that either).
- result. I did it anyway but "secret" and students knew it. After Lloyd or English speaking assistants advices some students still came to me to ask same question! They did not understand!
-I think it was wrong to tell me not to speak any Finnish for the first place!
2) pipetting
Students did not know how to use pipets. And we did not have time to check how many needed help in this matter. I notice this when they came to measure nanodrops...
3) too many people for 5 assistants
Days were long and we were all the time just pushing they to be quicker... So not much fun to be in lab.
4) Feedback?
At least I did not see any feedbacks after this course.. shouldn't they go past all assistants?
5) Accidents?
What is the normal behavior after something happens in student labs? I think matters should be discussed afterwards not silence. When I wanted to talk to Lloyd about the accident in labs, He behaved like there is nothing to talk! At least not with ME.
Sanna