Using animated flowcharts to teach organic reactions to the non-science major students at Clayton State University

CHED 479

Susan F. Hornbuckle, susanhornbuckle@clayton.edu, Department of Natural Sciences, Clayton State University, 2000 Clayton State University Blvd., Morrow, GA 30260
Animated flowcharts were created for the chemical reactions of each class of organic compounds that are typically covered in a non-science major Organic and Biochemistry course. These flowcharts stress the need for the student to follow a stepwise process: first, to classify the organic reactant(s) and, second, to recognize the reaction conditions before carrying out the necessary steps to predict the product(s) of the reaction. They also supply the student with a strategy for organizing the new knowledge which should help them recall information for exams. The flowcharts were first utilized as teaching tools during lectures. Then they were linked to the course website so that the students could use them as study aids. The results of this study were determined by comparing the present and past student performances on final exams. Chemical reaction flowcharts and study results will be presented.