Teaching Chemistry: Theory and Practice

Course Description

Introduction to teaching chemistry with emphasis on theory, practice, and techniques.

Syllabus

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  • Apply learning theories and chemistry education research to your own teaching and learning experiences.
  • Evaluate teaching practices to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
  • Design and justify instructional activities that integrate evidence-based pedagogical strategies to actively engage students and support learning.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure Percentage/Points
Teaching | Preparing a lesson plan, improving it based on instructor’s feedback, and facilitating class in an interactive manner 20%
Readings and participation in class | Participating in every class and drawing from the reading(s) during class discussions 30%
Peer teaching feedback | Completing teaching observation and providing constructive feedback report 20%
Weekly reflections | Completing weekly reflections on teaching experiences and class/readings that are at least 300 words long 30%

Grading Scale for the Course

Percentage Letter Grade
93-100%A
90-92%A–
87-89%B+
83-86%B
80-82%B–
77-79%C+
73-76%C
70-72%C–
67-69%D+
63-66%D
60-62%D–
<60%F

Attendance/Participation:

To make sure you get the most out of this course, it’s important to minimize absences. By committing to full participation, you’ll not only enhance your own learning but also contribute to the success of your peers.

Absences are excused only with a valid, documented reason, such as illness.

An unexcused absence will result in the loss of 15% of your grade, which is the equivalent of one and one-half letter grades.

More than two unexcused absences will result in course failure.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

No course materials are required.

Scholarly Perspectives

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.