A series of instructional videos were designed for an upper-division physical chemistry laboratory course. For each experiment in the course, students are required to view three videos prior to attending lab: a brief overview on the theoretical aspects of the chemical system under consideration, a detailed experimental procedure video (professionally filmed), and a data analysis video detailing relevant computing aspects for students’ lab reports (e.g. spreadsheet manipulations, curve fitting). These videos have been designed upon Mayer and Moreno’s cognitive theory of multimedia learning framework with the aim to minimize cognitive load and focus students in on the relevant conceptual and experimental components highlighted in each of the videos.1 An important purpose of these videos is to free up time and space for students to focus on actively thinking about the connection between the chemical system under investigation (theory) and the means of probing the system (experiment). A mixed-methods study has been designed in order to determine whether or not the overall course structure enables students to coordinate theory and evidence. The data consist of students’ lab reports, students’ results on the VOSE (Views on Science and Education) questionnaire to establish personal epistemology, one-on-one student interviews, and video-recorded discourse of student groups in the laboratory.2 Data is being collected through the Fall 2014 semester and analysis will begin immediately thereafter. References: 1. Mayer, R. E.; Moreno, R. Nine Ways to Reduce Cognitive Load in Multimedia Learning. Educ. Psychol. 2003, 38, 43-52. 2. Chen, S. Development of an instrument to assess views on nature of science and attitudes toward teaching science. Sci. Educ. 2006, 90, 803-819.

Incorporation of instructional videos to encourage students’ coordination of theory and evidence in the physical chemistry laboratory

249th National Meeting (2015)

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Incorporation of instructional videos to encourage students’ coordination of theory and evidence in the physical chemistry laboratory<br />