Pizarro, SóniaAlves, Gustavo R.García-Peñalvo, Francisco2024-04-182024-04-182023Pizarro, S., Alves, G.R., & García-Peñalvo, F. (2023, October 25-27).Considerations on the implementation of a non-traditional laboratory for rock characterization tests [Paper] TEEM 2023 - Technological Ecosystems for Enhancing Multiculturality, Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, Bragança, Portugalhttp://hdl.handle.net/10400.22/25347Non-traditional laboratories have become part of today’s teach ing/learning process, particularly in engineering. In Geotechnical Engineering, as in other experimental-based courses, laboratory tests play a major role, particularly in the mechanics of rocks and soils. Considering the reduced number of non-traditional laboratories, particularly for physical-mechanical rock characterization tests, it is urgent to increase the offer of non-traditional laboratories and investigate associated didactic applications capable of helping students acquire the right level of experimental skills in this specific engineering field. This paper aims to answer the question, frequently mentioned in the literature, “Are non-traditional labs as effective in achieving learning outcomes as traditional labs?” Conducting a cross-analysis of some of the main differences between the non-traditional laboratories, their strengths and weaknesses, all practical rock characterization tests, and the associated learning objective(s) to each will allow an informed choice of the type of non-traditional laboratories best suited to the specificities of the tests. In conclusion we can say that a well-designed non-traditional laboratory can be as practical as a traditional hands-on laboratory when measuring content knowledge. Some essential issues still need to be adequately addressed, such as operation and maintenance costs, which may affect the choice of the type of non-traditional laboratory.engEducationGeotechnicsRock mechanicsNon-traditional labRock characterization testingconference object