An Improved Lab Skills Model and its Application to the Computer Science Course at Omar Al-Mukhtar University, Libya

Abstract
This paper provides an identification of the existing skills gap between school-based learning (SBL) and laboratory-based learning (LBL) in the Computing Department within the Faculty of Science at Omar Al- Mukhtar University in Libya. The authors developed a questionnaire which was completed by lecturers, laboratory demonstrators and stu- dents. The aim was to discover these stakeholders’ perceptions about the gap between the students’ skills during SBL activities and those required by LBL sessions. The questions referred to skills related to three learn- ing domains: cognitive, psychomotor and affective. The findings show there are two most significant IT skills gap and group work skills, and others are lack of materials, lack of understanding of theoretical issues necessary to perform exercises, limited access to IT, a lack of develop- ment processes, poor curriculum review and limited links between prac- tical tasks and theoretical content. The results of quantitative and quali- tative analysis of the responses were used to develop an LBL skills model comprising the hard and soft skills required for lab sessions. This pro- posed model will be used to design and develop supplementary teaching and learning activities and materials which will increase the quality of stu- dent learning and satisfaction.