Cart
Article
Problem-Based Learning in Undergraduate Instruction. A Sophomore Chemistry Laboratory
Hi-Res PDFPurchase the full-text
- PDF/HTML,
figures/images,
references and tables,
(where available)
Abstract
Problem-based learning (PBL) is a pedagogical approach based on recent advances in cognitive science research on human learning. PBL has been used in medical schools for many years. This paper describes the application of PBL in undergraduate courses and discusses the specific needs of this environment. Practical information and guidance are given on how to develop a challenging problem, how to ensure coverage of syllabus topics, how to structure the discussions, and how to evaluate the progress of the course.
The paper describes an implementation of PBL methodologies in an undergraduate science course. In this course, students work with a voluntary environmental advocacy group, the Upper Chattahoochee RiverKeeper, to monitor the quality of water in the Chattahoochee watershed. Students learn experimental analytical chemistry techniques and problem-solving skills in this context. A PBL classroom is organized around collaborative problem-solving activities, which provide a context for learning and discovery. Students show enthusiasm and motivation to learn, and they achieve a deeper understanding of the material because it is information they have learned in a context of an interesting problem. PBL also provides them with an opportunity to acquire effective problem-solving techniques and to improve their communication skills and their ability to work in cooperative groups.
Keywords (Audience):
Second-Year UndergraduateKeywords (Domain):
Laboratory InstructionKeywords (Pedagogy):
Problem Solving / Decision MakingKeywords (Subject):
Learning TheoriesCiting Articles
Citation data is made available by participants in CrossRef's Cited-by Linking service. For a more comprehensive list of citations to this article, users are encouraged to perform a search in SciFinder.
This article has been cited by 19 ACS Journal articles (5 most recent appear below).
Utilizing Problem-Based Learning in Qualitative Analysis Lab Experiments
Randall W. Hicks and Holly M. BevsekJournal of Chemical Education2012 89 (2), 254-257Utilizing Problem-Based Learning in Qualitative Analysis Lab Experiments
Randall W. Hicks and Holly M. BevsekJournal of Chemical Education2012 89 (2), 254-257A series of qualitative analysis (QA) laboratory experiments utilizing a problem-based learning (PBL) module has been designed and implemented. The module guided students through the experiments under the guise of cleaning up a potentially contaminated ...
The Development and Implementation of a Problem-Based Learning Format in a Fourth-Year Undergraduate Synthetic Organic and Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory Course
Alison B. Flynn and Robyn BiggsJournal of Chemical Education2012 89 (1), 52-57The Development and Implementation of a Problem-Based Learning Format in a Fourth-Year Undergraduate Synthetic Organic and Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory Course
Alison B. Flynn and Robyn BiggsJournal of Chemical Education2012 89 (1), 52-57The fourth-year undergraduate synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry laboratory course at the University of Ottawa was transformed from a traditional laboratory format to a problem-based learning (PBL) format. Authentic problems were developed that ...
Incorporating Student-Designed Research Projects in the Chemistry Curriculum
Devin S. Iimoto and Kimberley A. FrederickJournal of Chemical Education2011 Article ASAPIncorporating Student-Designed Research Projects in the Chemistry Curriculum
Devin S. Iimoto and Kimberley A. FrederickJournal of Chemical Education2011 Article ASAPAlthough many chemistry students at small liberal arts colleges participate in undergraduate research projects with faculty members, they do not get much experience framing their own research questions and designing their own projects, which is an ...
Making a Chemical Rainbow
Marcus Angelin and Olof RamströmJournal of Chemical Education2010 87 (5), 504-506Making a Chemical Rainbow
Marcus Angelin and Olof RamströmJournal of Chemical Education2010 87 (5), 504-506In this laboratory experiment, high school students are challenged to prepare a six-layered chemical “rainbow” in a test tube. Students start with six unknown, colorless liquids and six pigments ranging from violet to red. The experiment is problem based ...
Inquiry-Based Arson Investigation for General Chemistry Using GC−MS
Marta K. Maurer, Michael R. Bukowski, Mary D. Menachery and Adam R. ZatorskyJournal of Chemical Education2010 87 (3), 311-313Inquiry-Based Arson Investigation for General Chemistry Using GC−MS
Marta K. Maurer, Michael R. Bukowski, Mary D. Menachery and Adam R. ZatorskyJournal of Chemical Education2010 87 (3), 311-313We have developed a two-week guided-inquiry laboratory in which first-semester general chemistry students investigate a suspected arson using gas chromatography−mass spectrometry and paper chromatography. In the process of evaluating evidence from the ...
Full Text HTMLTools
-
Add to Favorites
-
Download Citation
-
Email a Colleague -
Permalink
Order Reprints
Rights & Permissions
Citation Alerts
History
- Received: August 03, 2009
ACS
Network
Facebook
Tweet This
CiteULike
Newsvine
Digg This
Delicious
