Give Them Something To Talk About: Participation Strategies That Improve Student Learning and Engagement

Abstract

Millennial students are team-oriented and prefer non-traditional lecture methods, yet convincing the current generation of undergraduates to participate productively in class can be challenging. Common traits for Millennials include a preference for structure and an interest in building peer networks. Participation strategies utilizing structured teamwork were developed and implemented in analytical chemistry classes through modified discussions and assessment. Students spent out-of-class time on projects and attending specific seminars, both of which benefited in-class participation. Incorporating intentional participation opportunities that complement the strengths of Millennials improved their engagement and learning. These participation approaches can be adapted for large lecture classes, non-majors courses, and other chemistry disciplines.

The Scientific Method as a Scaffold to Enhance Communication Skills in Chemistry

“… 8 − 17 Despite recent discourse emphasizing the importance of scientific communication, especially in a scholarly sense, it is a perennial problem originating at the undergraduate level. 18 , 19 It is well documented that undergraduate science students frequently struggle with written 20 − 26 and oral 27 − 33 communication skills. 3 , 34 − 42 This persists into graduate school, 8 − 17 , 43 − 47 the medical fields, 48 − 50 and the workforce.…”

“…Effective communication skills are no longer considered a luxury in chemical enterprise. Instead, meaningful writing and persuasive speaking for a broad range of audiences have become integral parts of the standard core professional skills required for scientific and professional success in the workforce − and graduate school. − Despite recent discourse emphasizing the importance of scientific communication, especially in a scholarly sense, it is a perennial problem originating at the undergraduate level. , It is well documented that undergraduate science students frequently struggle with written − and oral − communication skills. ,− This persists into graduate school, − ,− the medical fields, − and the workforce. ,,,, To meet this challenge, educators have been urged to adopt curricular changes that will foster strong communication skills in their students. ,,,− …”