Experimental, cooperative labs in a first course in computer architecture

Laboratory sessions for a first course in computer architecture require a considerable amount of thought. This is especially true if one of the goals of these labs is to capture, in a cooperative learning environment, some of the scientific method that is inherent in physical science labs. This paper describes the nature of these labs and gives examples. In addition, it discusses the merits of using the scientific method and the cooperative learning methodology in such laboratories. The labs have concentrated on the scientific method and included cooperative learning for only one of eight semesters. Qualitative instructor evaluations and quantitative (although not comparative) student evaluations indicate that the concentration on the scientific method and the introduction of cooperative learning has increased the effectiveness of the laboratory sessions.