Organic chemistry students were assessed at the beginning of the semester to determine their retention of key general chemistry topics. Understanding concepts such as electronegativity, polarity, and bonding that are taught in general chemistry are necessary for students to succeed in organic chemistry. Peer leaders utilize the Socratic Method by asking succinct, topic specific, and open-ended guiding questions to activate students' prior general chemistry knowledge and apply it through high-level cognitive work toward their organic chemistry studies. The comprehensive development of this foundational knowledge of key concepts is essential to solve organic problems and by doing so peer leaders are able to bridge the gap between general chemistry basics and organic chemistry synthesis. Applying this knowledge in Supplemental Instruction sessions allows students to move toward becoming more independent learners capable of analyzing complex multi-faceted problems and arriving at the appropriate solutions, thereby empowering them to succeed in organic chemistry.

Bridging general chemistry knowledge gaps for organic chemistry students

248th National Meeting (2014)

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