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While large enrollment
classes offer many economical advantages, there are certain disadvantages
when it comes to student learning. For example, in a large class the student
• rarely gets direct eye contact with the professor.
• often does not get to see chemical demonstration up close.
• is not likely to stop the professor when the professor says something the
student didn't hear or was confused about.
• is often not given the time to digest the information presented.
• can easily skip class without being noticed.
• is usually referred to a teaching assistant for problems they may be
having.
• is less likely to develop a personal report with the professor.
Conceptual Chemistry Alive! focuses on delivering the concepts of chemistry
to each student in a personalized environment. The author looks directly to
the student and provides close-up views of chemical demonstrations. If the
student misses a thought, a graphic, an animation, or a demo, it can be seen
again with a click of the mouse. Video lessons have been edited into
bite-sized 7 minute clips, which end with a series of three concept check
questions that help the student know whether they have captured the major
points. The CDs are portable, which means the student can view the lessons
at a time of their convenience. Furthermore, through Conceptual Chemistry
Alive! students have access to the author, who like any teaching assistant,
is there to motivate the student to come to class prepared.
With Conceptual Chemistry Alive! the instructor has the option of requiring
students to watch formal video presentations of the concepts before coming
to class. Student-centered learning activities can thus become the prime
focus of class time. Examples include those described by Eric Mazur* or
those described within Conceptual Chemistry’s Instructor’s Manual.** Such
activities tend to put students in the spotlight and that can be a great
motivator. For example, a student who knows that he or she will need to
explain ideas to fellow students during class is more likely to come to
class prepared. In brief, the students can go home for their lectures, and
come to campus to study under the careful guidance of their course
instructor.
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Conceptual Chemistry |