The ACELL project: student participation, professional development, and improving laboratory learning

Justin R. Read, Mark A. Buntine, Geoffrey T. Crisp, Simon C. Barrie, Adrian V. George, Scott H. Kable, Robert B. Bucat, Ian M. Jamie

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference proceeding contributionpeer-review

    55 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    Chemistry is an ‘enabling science’ as its core concepts are essential for almost every area of science (White, O’Connor, Mousley, Cole and MacGillivray 2003) and it is studied both as a discipline in its own right and as a central component of other degree programs. Across 35 Australian universities, more than 20 000 students are taught chemistry each year (Barrie, Buntine, Jamie and Kable 2001a). Chemistry is also a highly conceptual discipline, requiring an ability to deal with phenomena at both a macroscopic and microscopic level, and to connect with symbolic representations used at each of these levels. Students may experience difficulties with their learning if this symbolic language is taken for granted, and there is a risk that connections between the material world and theoretical constructs may be misunderstood (Marais and Jordaan 2000; Kozma, Chin, Russell and Marx 2000; Bucat 2004). The laboratory environment is a bridge between theory and praxis, it offers unique opportunities to assist students as they attempt to construct an understanding of these connections.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationSymposium proceedings
    Subtitle of host publicationassessment in science teaching and learning : September 28, 2006 : the University of Sydney
    Place of PublicationSydney
    PublisherUniServe Science
    Pages113-119
    Number of pages7
    ISBN (Print)1864878657
    Publication statusPublished - 2006
    EventAssessment in Science, Teaching and Learning - Sydney
    Duration: 28 Sept 200628 Sept 2006

    Conference

    ConferenceAssessment in Science, Teaching and Learning
    CitySydney
    Period28/09/0628/09/06

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'The ACELL project: student participation, professional development, and improving laboratory learning'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this