Walsh University’s STAR Chemistry Program has incorporated learning communities to provide inclusive and vibrant experiences to augment academic and student life using open-ended discussions as the central theme. Each semester, an open-ended topic is selected by students and faculty advisors to be presented in an informal format to the campus and community at large. The open-ended topic serves as a focal point to stimulate students’ thinking about how chemistry and science contribute to society. From the ensuing discussions, students divide the topic into approximately six subtopics, develop hands-on demonstrations to help understand the problem or illustrate a potential solution, and create an accompanying poster to be presented at a workshop. Students then man each subtopic station explaining and operating each demonstration. The demonstrations and information contained within each subtopic were refined by the STAR scholars and faculty advisors, over a period of 8 to 10 two hour long meetings, and STAR scholars putting in an additional 20 – 25 hours of additional time to develop each demonstration. The workshops were presented as an open forum and advertised throughout the campus prior to presentation to the Walsh Student body and faculty. On average each workshop hosted 50 to 75 guests. In the past five semesters the students have developed themes that cover: Drug Abuse, Food, Water as a Resource and Plague, Super Materials, and Energy.<br/>The learning communities help the students develop strong interpersonal relationships and the open-ended discussions enable the students to gain experience working within groups and formulating novel solutions to complex problems. The workshops have resulted in an increase in student engagement and awareness of the social contributions of chemistry. Additionally, the STAR Chemistry program has resulted in a significant increase in student four year retention in the chemistry program from 40% to 87%.

Using open-ended topics as learning communities’ focal points to enhance student engagement and retention

2019 Fall National Meeting

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