Assessment of organic molecule stereochemistry through a formal interview

CHED 362

Tyson A. Miller, tyson.miller@uconn.edu, Mbei Enoh, and Elizabeth Reed, elizabeth.reed@uconn.edu. Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, 55 North Eagleville Road, Unit 3060, Storrs, CT 06269-3060
Organic chemistry requires students to manipulate three-dimensional molecules and express their understanding of those objects through drawings of symbolic notation (i.e., wedge-dash) on a two-dimensional page. It is possible that students with limited spatial abilities may be able to verbalize their understanding of stereochemistry more successfully than translating through a written medium. Students in a one-semester non-majors organic chemistry lecture course were interviewed and graded based on answers given to specific questions regarding stereochemistry. Results from two semesters will be discussed.
 

Research in Chemical Education
8:30 AM-12:15 PM, Tuesday, August 21, 2007 Seaport -- Constitution Room, Oral

Division of Chemical Education

The 234th ACS National Meeting, Boston, MA, August 19-23, 2007