Introduction of inquiry-based instruction in organic chemistry laboratories at Grambling State University

CHED 1503

Pia R. Alburquerque, alburquerque@gram.edu, Department of Chemistry, Grambling State University, 403 Main St. GSU Box 4218, Grambling, LA 71245
Inquiry-based instruction was introduced in organic chemistry labs in an effort to help students develop critical thinking skills and skills as independent learners. To facilitate this implementation, experimental procedures were gradually changed to incorporate more inquiry, thus allowing students to become familiar with this teaching method. Additionally, modifications to published inquiry based experiments were required to ensure successful implementation for students. These included: pre-lab activities to help students access the necessary knowledge to perform their lab projects; careful monitoring of students' lab work to facilitate student understanding of the concepts underlying the organic techniques; and inclusion of spectroscopic analysis in the student inquiry projects to improve student understanding of this topic. This talk will describe the key elements for successful implementation of organic inquiry projects as well as present data from student surveys.