Categorized laboratory experiments: Enquiry based approach: A case study

We present a case study of categorized laboratory, an enquiry based methodology to enhance student's learning. In this approach the problem statements are categorized as demonstration, exercise, structured enquiry and open ended. The complexity levels of problem statements are increased in an analog manner. The problem statements are unique to each batch, so as to avoid plagiarism and also enhance the learning/problem solving abilities of students. This innovative practice has increased the confidence level of students to perform better in their SEE theory and laboratory exam. The experience in conducting the labs with this approach suggests that the categorization helped the students to stimulate and address the current issues in the field of networking. This approach has motivated the students to opt their capstone and REU project in the “Networking” domain.