The Teaching/Learning Process in Analytical Chemistry

Abstract.

 Before teaching a course, the instructor must identify what she or he intends for the students to learn. For most analytical chemistry instructors, this usually involves an assessment of what methods and techniques to include and at what depth to cover them. There are many other skills, though, that will be important to students for their future success. Most college classes in analytical chemistry are taught in a lecture format. Techniques that can be used to improve the learning that can occur during a lecture are described. An alternative to lecturing is the use of cooperative learning. Cooperative learning offers the potential to develop skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving that are more difficult to impart in a lecture format. The laboratory component of analytical chemistry courses is often an underutilized learning resource. More often than not, the lab is used to demonstrate fundamental wet and instrumental analysis techniques and develop rudimentary laboratory skills. The analytical lab should also be used to develop meaningful problem-solving skills and to demonstrate and have students participate in the entire analytical process. Ways of enhancing the analytical laboratory to include more global skills that are important to career success are described.