Training undergraduate team leaders for a research-based laboratory course

CHED 1709

Anne K. Bentley, abentley@purdue.edu1, Matthew A. Hoch, mhoch@purdue.edu1, Pratibha Varma-Nelson, P-Varmanelson@neiu.edu2, and Gabriela C. Weaver, gweaver@purdue.edu1. (1) Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, (2) Department of Chemistry, Earth Science and Physics, Northeastern Illinois University, 5500 N St Louis Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625-4699
Students enrolled in laboratory courses established by the Center for Authentic Science Practice in Education (CASPiE) meet with peer leaders to plan laboratory experiments and carry out skill-building activities that are relevant to scientific research. Survey and interview data from early CASPiE implementation indicated that leader training was key to producing leaders capable of helping students understand the laboratory research. A one-day leader training workshop was developed, including activities designed to clarify the peer leader's role, demonstrate useful techniques for guiding group interactions, and provide peer leaders experience in leading small groups. Ongoing training materials for use in weekly peer leader/faculty meetings were also created. Initial findings from current research evaluating the effectiveness of the leader training materials will be reported.
 

Bringing Authentic Research into the Undergraduate Laboratory
8:30 AM-12:20 PM, Wednesday, March 28, 2007 McCormick Place North -- Room N231, Level 2, Oral

Division of Chemical Education

The 233rd ACS National Meeting, Chicago, IL, March 25-29, 2007