SLiThEr #50: Experiential Learning in Large Lecture Chemistry Courses: Mission Impossible

Submitted by Kari Stone / Lewis University on Tue, 07/25/2023 - 10:19
Description

The idea of providing experiential learning experiences in lecture sections of 150+ students can seem impossible.  While more traditional internships or field work may be out of reach with these enrollments, less traditional, but still impactful options exist.  We will discuss the general idea of experiential learning and provide some examples of how we have incorporated this idea into our general and inorganic courses, addressing both content and the course structure and support that can be helpful.

A Strategy for Group Discussions of a Literature Paper: Roles That Rotate and Foster Different Skills

Submitted by Laurel Goj Habgood / Rollins College on Wed, 06/21/2023 - 12:12
Description

The "Lit Masters" concept is inspired by and adapted from one of my colleagues, Jenn Manak, in our education department. Students who are novices to reading the literature often are overwhelmed when assigned a paper to read and may struggle in group discussions. The strategy is to assign students to a semester-long group with designated roles for each paper that require them to produce a low-stakes artifact prior to class. During class time groups discuss the paper and it is followed with a debrief. 

SLiThEr #46: Results from a departmental climate survey

Submitted by Chip Nataro / Lafayette College on Mon, 03/20/2023 - 11:51
Description

In this SLiThEr, we discuss the construction, implementation and results of a departmental climate survey. Included with the LO are the questions that were administered to students as part of the climate survey.

SLiThEr #44: What I learned at PEER

Submitted by Kyle Grice / DePaul University on Tue, 01/31/2023 - 21:40
Description

Dr. Black shares what she learned at a workshop on Discipline-Based Education Research! 

Here's the video:

SLiThEr #43: A bridge to specifications grading

Submitted by Kari Stone / Lewis University on Mon, 12/05/2022 - 13:06
Description

Have you heard about alternate grading systems such as specifications (specs) grading, but don't think you have the time or energy to remake a whole curriculum? Come hear about a hybrid-points-specs grading system! The hybrid system does not require a complete course redesign, but still integrates standards-based grading practices that promote mastery of material and make grading easier. Implementation and outcomes in general chemistry and inorganic chemistry classes is discussed. 

SLiThEr #41: Peer Review in the Classroom

Submitted by Kyle Grice / DePaul University on Thu, 11/17/2022 - 14:57
Description

Dr. Rebecca Jones from Geoge Mason University presented and led a discussion on peer review in chemistry. The Youtube Video is shown below and linked as well. 

SLiThEr #38: Panel Discussion on the PUI Faculty Job Search

Submitted by Sarah Shaner / Southeast Missouri State University on Thu, 11/17/2022 - 09:40
Description

Our panelist, Madalyn Radlauer (San Jose State), Jacob Lutter (Univ. Southern Indiana), and Chris Whitehead (Union College), discuss how to approach the PUI faculty job search.They bring the perspectives of those who have recently navigated the process and those who have served on faculty search committees.

Peer Review Activity

Submitted by Matt Cranswick / Oregon State University on Wed, 11/02/2022 - 17:49
Description

A colleague and I started using this Peer Review "lab" activity in our studio-based General Chemistry II course to get students to critically think about what they and their peers were writing on lab reports. When the studio-based course was axed, we continued it in the traditional lab during the fifth or sixth week of a 14 week semester.