The problem of student engagement and retention in the chemical sciences is well-known, and is particularly acute in the large introductory lecture classes such as general chemistry and organic chemistry, commonly referred to as “gateway courses.” While a variety of theories for such challenges have been advanced, the ability to ameliorate those challenges effectiveliy remains elusive. Reported herein is the design, implementation, and evaluation fo one such approach to address this challenge: the use of highly relevant and engaging chemistry demonstrations. Targeted demonstrations, designed to have intimate connections to the course subject matter, were implemented in both general chemistry and in organic chemistry lecture courses at Ariel University, and survey results were used to determine the effects of such demonstrations on student engagement in the course and excitement for the subject matter. Overall, results highlight that well-designed demonstrations have substantial potential to improve student engagement in chemistry, with the effects on long-term student retention still under investigation.<br/>

Improving student engagement with chemistry demonstrations in large lecture courses

ACS Fall 2020 Virtual Meeting

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