Stimulating undergraduate students’ learning in chemistry can only be achieved and sustained through provision of active learning and hands-on research experiences for students. The Department of Chemistry at North Carolina A&T State University (N.C. A&T) in conjunction with the STEM Center for Excellence for Active Learning in the College of Science and Technology has provided resources and incentives to promote active learning laboratory environments and robust undergraduate research experiences for its majors and other STEM degree seeking students. First, several undergraduate STEM laboratory courses have been redesigned and transformed to promote implementation of new curriculum initiatives to active learning and student engaging environments.  Active Learning initiatives include inquiry and problem-based learning strategies. N.C.A&T has also promoted the use of early involvement of undergraduate students in research experiences during the academic year and summer that integrates technical training, communication skills, team-work, professional development, and a career pathway program to retain and graduate students in STEM. Besides, professional development programs, support has been provided for faculty members to engage in the development of interdisciplinary, active learning and hands-on research initiatives for their STEM majors. In general, the students that have participated in active learning and hands-on research are more excited about their degree program and have demonstrated improved critical thinking, problem solving, communication skills, and a spirit of teamwork. Also, implementation of active learning and hands-on research experiences in the classroom and laboratory has significantly improved the persistence and retention of students.  In addition, chemistry majors as well as other STEM students that have participated in active learning and hands-on research are more competent and confident in the use of lab chemicals, reagents, glassware, and analytical instruments. The design, implementation of selected active learning initiatives and undergraduate research strategies to promote student learning will be highlighted. Also, the assessment of these strategies on the students’ learning and their experiences in active learning and hands-on research will be discussed.<br/>

Use of active learning pedagogies and undergraduate research experiences to promote student success in chemistry at North Carolina A&T State University

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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