We have integrated a web-based homework system into a Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL) environment to restructure our existing Organic Chemistry I course to enhance student learning, improve overall grades and lower the DFW rates. In these restructured sessions, students meet once per week to work on computer-based assignments individually, and then discuss the problems as a small group with peer-leader guidance before submitting their answers. We ensure that the individual computer assignments are unique to each student and are created from a pool of questions covering the same concepts, which directly reflect the topic recently covered in lecture. We also incorporated aspects of learning models such as �Think Pair Share� into the sessions.  A benefit of this arrangement is that students collectively solve different types of questions on a particular subject.  In developing this new format, we employed focus groups to evaluate and compare the usefulness of different online homework systems for this project. The selected homework system was chosen based on its proven effectiveness in more traditional venues, ease of incorporation in into PLTL discussion sessions, and the capability of providing hints and multiple attempts per question, as well as instant grading and feedback. We will report on the development of this project and the preliminary results from the qualitative and quantitative data being collected on student performance, satisfaction levels and retention rate changes for the course.

Integrating computer-based technologies for Peer-Led Team Learning into organic chemistry

247th National Meeting (2014)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.