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2007
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April
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In the Laboratory
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Addition of a Project-Based Component to a Conventional Expository Physical Chemistry Laboratory
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Georgios Tsaparlis and Marianna Gorezi
Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, GR-451 10 Ioannina, Greece
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April 2007
Vol. 84 No. 4
p. 668
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| Abstract |
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The conventional expository style of laboratory instruction has been criticized for its "cookbook" nature and for placing little emphasis on thinking. Inquiry-based activities require the learners to generate their own procedures. A simpler variety is the project-based activity that, without calling for new procedures, requires the students to try an experiment that is new and unique for them. In this article, the addition of a project-based component to a conventional expository physical chemistry laboratory is described. Eight project-type tasks were used, of which seven were taken from articles in this Journal. During the performance of the project experiments, students were dedicated, patient, and enthusiastic. The report and the oral presentation of the project were demanding tasks. The evaluation of the work by the students through written questionnaires showed that the majority was in favor of collaborative work. Working in groups of four was acceptable. On the other hand, the uneven contribution of the members of the group appeared to be a serious problem. Project work was judged superior for the development in students of communication skills (searching and using English literature, public presentation, collaboration, etc.) and of abilities related to the psychology of learning. The connection of chemistry with everyday life and modern applications proved attractive.
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| Supplement |
The complete article including detailed data from the student questionnaire, the effect of students' learning beliefs, and a discussion about the group size and the dynamics within the group are available.
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| More Information |
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Citation |
Tsaparlis, Georgios; Gorezi, Marianna. J. Chem. Educ. 2007, 84, 668.
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Keywords |
Chemical Education Research; Collaborative / Cooperative Learning; Communication / Writing; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; Laboratory Instruction; Learning Theories; Physical Chemistry; Student-Centered Learning; Upper-Division Undergraduate
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History |
Created:
Last Updated: |
3/6/2007
3/8/2007
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 Caution! | | Experiments, laboratory exercises, lecture demonstrations, and other descriptions of the use of chemicals, apparatus, instruments, computers, and computer interfaces are presented in the Journal of Chemical Education as illustrative of new or improved ideas or concepts in chemistry instruction and are directed at qualified teachers. Although every effort is made to assure and encourage safe practices and safe use of chemicals, the Journal of Chemical Education cannot assume responsibility for uses made of its published materials. Many chemicals are hazardous. Precautions for the safe use of hazardous chemicals and directions for their proper disposal are described in the Material Safety Data Sheets and on the labels. We strongly urge all those planning to use materials from our pages to make choices and to develop procedures for laboratory and classroom safety in accordance with local needs and situations. |
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668
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