A Project to Adapt and Adopt Workshop Chemistry

由蒙大拿大学、美国大学、克拉克亚特兰大大学和肯塔基大学四所机构组成的联盟正在采用和修改核心项目研讨会化学(以纽约州立大学城市学院为中心)，目前得到了本科化学课程倡议的系统性变化的支持。研讨会化学是一种灵活的课程模式，让学生在同龄人小组组长的推动下积极参与学习过程。传统的“提问和测验”复习部分的形式被合作学习、同行主导的研讨会所取代。我们正在通过改变课程形式的社会动态来解决普通化学和有机化学课程的高辍学率和不及格率问题。具体地说，我们正在促进(1)在学生中建立一个大学学习网络，(2)认识到学习方式的差异，(3)发展指导关系，以及(4)积极的小组学习，发展人际言语交流技能。我们还通过专门侧重于化学概念和解决问题的技术的协作学习过程来解决提高概念理解的问题。我们的目标正在通过重组我们的课程来实现，以利用研讨会化学的形式。作为该项目的一部分，还在编写普通化学和有机化学课程的练习册。

A coalition of four institutions, the University of Montana, American University, Clark Atlanta University, and the University of Kentucky, are adopting and adapting the core project Workshop Chemistry (centered at CUNY City College), currently supported by the Systemic Changes in the Undergraduate Chemistry Curriculum initiative. Workshop Chemistry is a flexible curriculum model that involves students in active participation in the learning process under the facilitation of a peer group leader. The traditional "question and quiz" recitation section format is replaced by a cooperative learning, peer-led workshop. We are addressing the problem of the high drop and fail rate in general and organic chemistry courses by changing the social dynamics of the course format. Specifically, we are promoting (1) a collegial network of learners among students, (2) a recognition of differences in learning styles, (3) the development of mentoring relationships, and (4) active group study that develops interpersonal verbal communication skills. We also address the problem of improved conceptual understanding through a collaborative learning process that is specifically focused on chemistry concepts and problem-solving techniques. Our objectives are being accomplished by restructuring our courses to utilize the Workshop Chemistry format. Workbooks for both General and Organic Chemistry courses are also being developed as part of the project.