Create a good way of measuring grades fairly
I know that some performance tests or proficiencies are not given a high enough grade to make the student want to attend their labs. The lectures grades are always the highest, ie, tests. It is equally important that the student knows how to effectively transfer what they have learned in lecture, and then be able to apply it in lab.
When I teach in clinical lab, I make it a point from day one to inform the student that the lab has a grade that is just as important as the classroom setting. I remind the students that the lab part measures the application. You have the book knowledge, now comes the application(putting the book knowlege into use). If the student can verbally explain, then I request to be shown. Example: patient needs 7 units of regular insulin and 3 units of NPH insulin. I let the student get the required matierals and then the student needs to explain the procedure(before going to the actual patient). I always remind tham that they are being graded, in the clinical setting it is a pass or fail, no in between, mistakes(in the real world) are unacceptable.
