Drawing reaction mechanisms (a.k.a arrow-pushing) is a key skill developed in many organic chemistry courses. The energy changes that occur with each step of a reaction mechanism can be captured through drawing a reaction coordinate diagram. New rubrics for assessing the ability of students to draw a reaction mechanism and its corresponding reaction coordinate diagram were developed. Student work from the final exams from first and second semesters of organic chemistry were scored with each rubric. The results of these assessments will be presented and their implications on improving student learning discussed.

Rubrics for assessing student skills in drawing reaction mechanisms and reaction coordinate diagrams in organic chemistry

254th National Meeting (2017)

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