Insights from Teaching Chemistry Writing Online

Abstract

This communication recounts two learning-to-write (LTW) activities in a grade 10 chemistry elective course that were implemented online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The activities sought to develop chemistry writing skill for use in students' STEM research. Students seemed to display difficulty in applying topics discussed in class despite them having continued access to the materials. The author reflects in this paper how teachers, to enforce learning of chemistry writing, should avoid viewing writing as a product but as a process, similar to actual writing teachers. This communication might be useful for teachers that require laboratory reports or other written work during distance learning.

Identifying Challenges and Opportunities in Teaching Chemistry Online in India amid COVID-19

“…This should be understood and handled with respect and flexibility about important deadlines. 27 From Figure 1, we can see that most of the students attained average marks, leading us to conclude that they have included many such points that are not required to provide the answer to the provided question in the assignment. Giving them average marks also signifies that they have not used their own creativity to present the assignment provided and just presented the facts and information directly without much effort.…”

“…All students or teachers may not be able to appear on screen at the scheduled time because of difficulties such as stable Internet connectivity, self-isolation, etc. This should be understood and handled with respect and flexibility about important deadlines …”

Assessing students’ writing skills in virtual classroom: strategies and challenges in EFL context

“…Besides, report writing or text writing is assessment strategies which is commonly used to assess students' writing in face to face learning setting which is relevant to be implemented in online learning environment. Report writing and text or essay writing are able to develop students' metacognitive by searching some information from Internet sources as well as to allow students to learn new concept (Alsmari, 2019;Dolino, 2020;Trang & Anh, 2020;Xiong & Suen, 2018). In addition, answering open-ended questions gave opportunity for the students to compose sentences or paragraphs in English.…”

Who’s That Scientist? A Scientist Report Writing Assignment for General Chemistry Students

“…The Writing Across the Curriculum movement in the 1970s and 1980s focused on providing students with opportunities to write in all their courses. ,,− This movement grew out of illiteracy concerns, yet it is still appropriate for science students. In addition, it helped lead to the development of the Writing-to-Learn technique that has been seen in chemistry classes and elsewhere. ,,− …”