Assessing the Improvement of Molecular Techniques Practical Skills Post-COVID-19 Lockdown in Undergraduate Students

Abstract

This research investigates the use of practical training as a strategy for improving the molecular techniques laboratory skills among second-year Diploma in Microbiology students at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. This is because during the lockdown, these students were forced to do most of their learning through the web which led to the sky issue. A face- to- face laboratory skills session offered to 30 participants on their competencies in molecular lab equipment usage, their grasp of the laboratory procedures and the application of the molecular techniques. Data were collected using a skills performance rubric and pre-and post- session questionnaires and were subjected to statistical analysis. There were excellent results, reflecting improvements in nearly all the abilities that were assessed in the students, making it clear that practical lessons are very important in the study of science. The recommendations highlight the need for both practical sessions, so that the students are better prepared for the molecular biology challenges that lie ahead.