As part of an NSF CCLI grant we have purchased UV-VIS and FTIR spectrometers and incorporated them into 9 STEM major's classes and 4 general education classes, as well as student/faculty research projects.  Assessment of the impact of the new instruments and the active learning pedagogy changes they support in ongoing.  Initial findings include positive trends for 5 outcomes expected in the project.  STEM retention and recruitment are higher, Students collected more data and their ability to evaluate quantitative data improved.  Finally assessment has become a regular and effective part of science teaching at Loras.  There are also noticeable, but not statistically significant, positive trends for two outcomes, improved attitude toward science and a better understanding of how science is conducted.  We have created a modified science attitude inventory and are using both focus group-interview data and pre/post testing in the assessment.

Applying spectroscopy in general education, introductory, and advanced science courses

239th National Meeting (2010)

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