Student Centered Learning in the Chemistry Classroom

Abstract

Students in a chemistry classroom do not always perform to the level they are capable of. One variable that may play a part in this performance is the method the teacher uses to deliver the content. Typically a lecture format is used and students are very passive in this environment. This research focuses on investigating the effectiveness of different strategies that require students to be more active. These strategies included group work, partner work, demonstrations, inquiry lab activities and guided notes. The teacher collected students ' opinions on these strategies by using a survey. Further data was collected by recording teacher observations to provide insight as to what strategies should be incorporated into the chemistry classroom to give students the best formula for success. As a result of this research, it was concluded that students do not study on their own to prepare for chapter tests and teachers should deliver the content in a variety of methods. These instructional methods include guided notes, demonstrations, group work, visual aids and laboratory investigations.