In a recent editorial (J. Chem. Educ.2019, 96 (2), 193–195), the chemistry community was challenged to address the need for evidence supporting the role of the chemistry laboratory in student learning in order to justify the expense and resources required for laboratory courses. We suggest that laboratory coursework offers unique learning opportunities that justify the expense and conceivably warrant greater investment. Rather than viewing the resources dedicated to laboratory coursework as excessive, we consider the affordances of smaller class sizes, higher instructor to student ratios, and the diverse learning possibilities of laboratory classrooms as worthy of increased support. We call on the chemistry community to reflect on whether our actions are consistent with our beliefs about the value of laboratory coursework.

中文翻译：

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投资实验室课程

在最近的编辑（J.化学式EDUC。2019，96（2），193–195），为了证明支持化学实验室在学生学习中的作用的证据的需求，化学界面临挑战，以便证明实验室课程所需的费用和资源是合理的。我们建议实验室课程提供独特的学习机会，以证明其合理性，并有望增加投资。与其认为专用于实验室课程工作的资源过多，不如说是较小的班级规模，较高的教师与学生比例以及实验室教室的多样化学习可能性所带来的负担，值得增加支持。我们呼吁化学界反思我们的行为是否符合我们对实验室课程工作价值的信念。