CHED 1478 |
| To decrease high attrition rates and update course content, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Miami University recently developed and implemented an innovative, spiral curriculum in the year-long organic chemistry course for pre-medical majors. A qualitative, case-study approach using interviews and reflective essays documented the experiences of 18 students as they progressed through this spiral curriculum. This presentation will describe the difficulties students encountered and how these difficulties evolved during their year in organic chemistry. In particular, the gap in expectations between the first semester survey and the second semester spiral, the differing cognitive demands between general and organic chemistry, and the implications for student persistence and retention will be discussed. |
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Chemistry Education Research
1:30 PM-4:55 PM, Tuesday, April 8, 2008 Hilton New Orleans Riverside -- HEC A, Oral
Division of Chemical Education |