An Exercise to Improve Laboratory Write-Ups In Plant Propagation

A suggestion from an end-of-the-semester course evaluation led to an exercise that has improved the quality of student reports in plant propagation labs.   An experiment, usually involving an auxin series, is set up some weeks in advance of the semester.  Depending upon the plant material chosen, five to seven auxin concentrations, including an appropriate control, are applied as basal dips or soaks. In the second lab of the semester, students evaluate the results and develop root quality indices using a supplied form.  Handouts include a list of the steps (not necessarily in order) undertaken in setting up the experiment, and students are expected to organize their materials and methods section based upon this information.  Instructions are provided for the lab report format, and anonymous sample write-ups from previous years are supplied as examples.  Students are expected to search the literature for relevant research and include these in their literature review and discussion.  Including tables or graphs, most papers are about 3-4 pages long.  The instructor evaluates the write-ups using a rubric and returns the papers to the students, who then (are supposed to) use them as a guide to write-ups due during the remainder of the course.   The exercise has had the desired effect of improving lab write-ups in the plant propagation course