Student Active Learning Methods in Physical Chemistry

Robert J. Hinde and Jeffrey Kovac
Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-1600
J. Chem. Educ., 2001, 78 (1), p 93
DOI: 10.1021/ed078p93
Publication Date (Web): January 1, 2001

Abstract

We describe two strategies for implementing active learning in physical chemistry. One involves supplementing a traditional lecture course with heavily computer-based active-learning exercises carried out by cooperative groups in a department computer lab. The other uses cooperative learning almost exclusively, supplemented by occasional mini-lectures. Both approaches seemed to result in better student learning and a more positive attitude toward the subject. On the basis of our respective experiences using active learning techniques, we discuss some of the strengths of these techniques and some of the challenges we encountered using the active-learning approach in teaching physical chemistry.

Keywords (Audience):

Upper-Division Undergraduate

Keywords (Domain):

Chemical Education Research

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Collaborative / Cooperative Learning

Citing Articles

View all 14 citing 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 14 ACS Journal articles (5 most recent appear below).

  • Cover Image

    Qualitative Assessment of Inquiry-Based Teaching Methods

    Michael Briggs, George Long, and Katrina Owens
    Journal of Chemical Education2011 Article ASAP
    • Qualitative Assessment of Inquiry-Based Teaching Methods

      Michael Briggs, George Long, and Katrina Owens
      Journal of Chemical Education2011 Article ASAP

      A new approach to teaching method assessment using student focused qualitative studies and the theoretical framework of mental models is proposed. The methodology is considered specifically for the advantages it offers when applied to the assessment of ...

  • Cover Image

    Adsorption of Arsenic by Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: A Versatile, Inquiry-Based Laboratory for a High School or College Science Course

    Daniel VanDorn, Matthew T. Ravalli, Mary Margaret Small, Barbara Hillery, and Silvana Andreescu
    Journal of Chemical Education2011 Article ASAP
    • Adsorption of Arsenic by Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: A Versatile, Inquiry-Based Laboratory for a High School or College Science Course

      Daniel VanDorn, Matthew T. Ravalli, Mary Margaret Small, Barbara Hillery, and Silvana Andreescu
      Journal of Chemical Education2011 Article ASAP

      There has been much interest in magnetite (Fe3O4) due to its utility in adsorbing high concentrations of arsenic in contaminated water. The magnetic properties of the material allow for simple dispersion and removal from an aqueous system. An inquiry-...

  • Cover Image

    POGIL in the General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry Course

    Michael P. Garoutte
    2008 994 (), 122-132
    • POGIL in the General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry Course

      Michael P. Garoutte
      2008 994 (), 122-132

      The general, organic, and biological chemistry course or course sequence is generally intended primarily for nursing and other health science majors. Unique challenges regarding the implementation of the POGIL method in this course are addressed.

  • Cover Image

    POGIL Implementation in Large Classes: Strategies for Planning, Teaching, and Management

    Ellen J. Yezierski, Christopher F. Bauer, Sally S. Hunnicutt, David M. Hanson, Katie E. Amaral, and James P. Schneider
    2008 994 (), 60-71
    • POGIL Implementation in Large Classes: Strategies for Planning, Teaching, and Management

      Ellen J. Yezierski, Christopher F. Bauer, Sally S. Hunnicutt, David M. Hanson, Katie E. Amaral, and James P. Schneider
      2008 994 (), 60-71

      POGIL implementation strategies organized around issues associated with the large classroom lecture have been compiled by instructors at various institutions and are presented. Issues such as physical space, group and individual accountability, ...

  • Cover Image

    Using an ACS General Chemistry Exam to Compare Traditional and POGIL Instruction

    Martin D. Perry and Randall D. Wight
    2008 994 (), 240-247
    • Using an ACS General Chemistry Exam to Compare Traditional and POGIL Instruction

      Martin D. Perry and Randall D. Wight
      2008 994 (), 240-247

      This study uses a standard ACS exam for general chemistry to examine the effectiveness of Process-Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL) instruction compared to traditional instruction. One cohort in this general chemistry study received a full year of ...

Tools

SciFinder Links

SciFinder subscribers:  Click to sign in | Not a SciFinder subscriber? Learn more at www.cas.org

Explore by:


History

  • Received: August 03, 2009

Recommend & Share

  • Share on ACS NetworkACS Network
  • Add to FacebookFacebook
  • Tweet ThisTweet This
  • Add to CiteULikeCiteULike
  • Add to NewsvineNewsvine
  • Digg ThisDigg This
  • Add to DeliciousDelicious

Related Content