Theory vs. Labs: Which One Do You Never Skip?
- By BrianFord
- CIN Open Forums
- 18 Replies
Interesting question. You mentioned both A+ and Network+ which are foundational level courses. For those courses I believe that the exams are more theory (a better description might be protocol or standards) based and I present my material based on that. Why? Because the exams ask multiple choice questions based on simulated real-world environments. These exams don't use virtual environments, where students have to demonstrate knowledge of commands. I always tell my students about labs that are offered and I specifically tell them why I think that lab is important and what knowledge they should gain completing that lab. I offer them support if they encounter issues completing the lab. That said I don't ask 'who completed this lab' because nothing good comes out of that sort of query. It's like asking the class who didn't study for two hours the night before; some students study for 30 minutes and sail through the exam while others study 3-4 hours per evening and fail. We can lead students to knowledge but we can't force them to use it.