ERIC Number: EJ1447477
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023-Sep
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0021-9584
EISSN: EISSN-1938-1328
An Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory Technique Course Using Scaffolded, Inquiry-Based Laboratories and Project-Based Learning
Chun Chu; Jessica L. Dewey; Weiwei Zheng
Journal of Chemical Education, v100 n9 p3500-3508 2023
To enhance students' learning and help them understand the whole picture of the field of inorganic chemistry, an inorganic laboratory technique course was designed that uses scaffolded, inquiry-based lab experiments and project-based learning. The scaffolded, inquiry-based laboratories taught in the first 8 weeks of the course helped students better understand the aim of each lab and how to apply each lab technique to a bigger research project. The laboratory experiments also included opportunities for cooperative and collaborative learning through student group work and feedback. To further develop students' independent research skills, we implemented project-based learning in the second part of the course (last 4 weeks), in which students develop a research proposal based on independent literature research and the laboratory techniques they learned from the course. Pilot data suggest that the course helped improve students' interest in inorganic chemistry, science self-efficacy, and science identity. Additionally, students reported that both the scaffolded, inquiry-based laboratories and the project-based learning module enhanced their problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Descriptors: Inquiry, Scientific Research, Scaffolding (Teaching Technique), Student Projects, Active Learning, Self Concept, Self Efficacy, Research Proposals, Cooperative Learning, Chemistry, Laboratory Experiments, Feedback (Response), Science Instruction, Student Attitudes, Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Course Descriptions, Private Colleges
Division of Chemical Education, Inc. and ACS Publications Division of the American Chemical Society. 1155 Sixteenth Street NW, Washington, DC 20036. Tel: 800-227-5558; Tel: 202-872-4600; e-mail: eic@jce.acs.org; Web site: http://pubs.acs.org/jchemeduc
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Chemistry (CHE)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: New York
Grant or Contract Numbers: 1944978