CHED 1456 |
| A high enrollment, upper level environmental chemistry course was modified to include a cooperative problem-solving segment and an emphasis on concept maps as an organizational tool. Students were randomly assigned to groups and worked with this group throughout the semester. In most class meetings, students participated in directed problem solving within their groups. Anonymous class surveys showed that the majority of students viewed the group work as a valuable addition to the class. All students were instructed in the preparation of concept maps to organize the information and half of the student groups were required to prepare them and turn them into the instructor while the other student groups had alternative assignments with the same information. Students who prepared concept maps performed better on the examinations and had a more positive perception of their understanding. Results indicate that active, cooperative methods are suitable even for high enrollment chemistry courses. |
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Environmental Chemistry Education
8:30 AM-12:00 PM, Tuesday, April 8, 2008 Hilton New Orleans Riverside -- Magnolia, Oral
Division of Chemical Education |