Mind-tricks for Mastery:
Redesigning an Organic Chemistry Course by
Focusing on Productive Persistence
(a Non-Technology-Based CSU-CRT project)
Laurie Starkey, Cal Poly Pomona
Poster (pdf) Abstract:
The goal of this course redesign was to reduce the D/F/W rate by improving students' attitudes about Organic Chemistry and exploring learning theory to improve their persistence. Lessons on having a growth mindset have been incorporated, and utilizing a learning-focused syllabus helped to build a supportive environment. Metacognitive reflection was encouraged with exam wrappers and weekly journal prompts. Incentives were given for students to form groups (Organic Learning Communities, OLC) outside of class, and structured activities were provided for the OLCs on a weekly basis.
References:
- Learning-Focused Syllabus
- Organic Chemistry CHM 201 Syllabi - Original (Content-Focused) and Redesigned (Learning-Focused) (another redesigned syllabus example)
- Michael S. Palmer, Lindsay B. Wheeler & Itiya Aneece (2016) Does the Document Matter? The Evolving Role of Syllabi in Higher Education
Change: The Magazine of
Higher Learning, 48:4, 36-47, DOI: 10.1080/00091383.2016.1198186 (link)
- Growth Mindset Resources
- Exam Wrapper Example and Grade-Predicting Clicker Question
Metacognition: By taking a step back and thinking about the way you learn, you can improve your learning! An "exam wrapper" survey will guide you through an exercise in self-reflection, with the goal of improving your performance on the next exam.
- Video Creation Resources
- Organic Chemistry Resources
- CSU-CRT ePortfolios
- 2015-16 CHM 315 (online homework, exam wrappers)
- 2016-17 CHM 201 (mindset, OLC)
- 2017-18 CHM 314 (repository of problem-based learning activities)