Student Reflections on Multiple Ways of Learning
Jennifer E. Mihalick
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Introduction
Challenge of General Chemistry
high enrollment;
students pursuing a variety of majors;
students have a variety of learning styles, developed from previous
educational experiences.
Course offers many ways to learn
read textbook,
watch/listen to lectures,
watch demonstrations,
design, perform experiments,
write lab reports,
solve problems,
participate in group discussions.
Why so many ways to learn?
“Experts” recommend multiple methods:
Match actions of practicing scientists;
Variety increases probability of connecting with each student;
Reinforcement may increase long-term retention of material
(General Chemistry is a foundation course for many disciplines).
Questions for this study
Do students recognize the learning that results from participation in
various course components?
Are student perceptions influenced by their preferred learning styles?
continue to Experimental Section
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