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Personalised Learning, Support And Feedback In A Large First Year Chemistry Class. ADAM J. BRIDGEMAN ADRIAN V. GEORGE SCHOOL OF CHEMISTRY UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY. WHY FLIP?. CHEM1001 “Fundamentals of Chemistry”
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Personalised Learning, Support And Feedback In A Large First Year Chemistry Class ADAM J. BRIDGEMAN ADRIAN V. GEORGE SCHOOL OF CHEMISTRYUNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY
WHY FLIP? • CHEM1001 “Fundamentals of Chemistry” • Taken by students with a weak or no background in Chemistry from high school (~650 in 2014) • Commonly taken as ‘service’ unit for life and applied science students • Linear subject – each topic builds on understanding of last topic • Content heavy • Full of new language and symbolism • Ongoing problem with engagement
WHY FLIP? • CHEM1001 “Fundamentals of Chemistry” • Need for students to engage and master each topic • Need for students to learn by doing and inquiring • Need to develop and personalise interactions and help transition of diverse cohort to university • Reward and encourage preparation and good study habits
WHY FLIP? • Making the most of each learning space • Using the online environment for what it is good at • Students can watch multiple times • Computer is a patient and anonymous marker • Allows use of 3D models and simulations • Providing (early) data on engagement and issues • Using the classroom environment for what it is good at • Access to expert(s) • Peer learning
HOW? • Pre-lecture online tutorials • 3-5 minute video detailing content/concept • Lots of examples for students to work through • Mastery quiz which can be taken multiple times • Allow content to be removed from lecture • Free up time in class and ensure class is prepared • Provide data on engagement
HOW? • Online tutorials: • 1 or 2 per week • MCQ, short answer, drag and drop from large pool of questions firstyear.chem.usyd.edu.au/iChem/
HOW? • Using the classroom environment for what it is good at • Active learning • Staff - student and student – student discussion and conversation • Concept development and guided inquiry • Fun http://www.itl.usyd.edu.au/programs/newstaff/teaching_advice.htm
HOW? Students Lecturer
GUIDED INQUIRY WORKSHEETS • Learning cycle of exploration, concept invention & application • Students work in a discovery team-based environment • Maximum length of 2 sides • Interspersed with mini-lectures, feedback and discussion • Instant and constant feedback on level of understanding and misconceptions
EVALUATION Fundamentals AJB/AVG Mainstream EJN Mainstream TWS Enhanced learning Clear link with context Aids understanding Enjoy worksheets Enhanced motivation
EVALUATION • “Helped to apply things being learned to gain understanding” • “It draws for more attendance as the lectures are more interesting and allow us to get involved with what is being learnt than just listening and taking notes” • “Allows learning throughout the lecture instead of blindly copying notes & not really absorbing anything. Why more motivated to come to lectures as a result? because I knew I would definitely learn something” • “Good at cementing knowledge. Stop you daydreaming. Identify problem areas straight away.” • “You would have to be a real f****** idiot if you think it doesn’t help. … fantastic idea, no sarcasm, even though it may look like it!” Fundamentals AJB/AVG Mainstream EJN Mainstream TWS
CHEM1001 SEMESTER 1 2013 - RESULTS Enrolment Grade distributions number lost
CHEM1001 SEMESTER 1 2013 - RESULTS 2012 2013
CONCLUSIONS • Making the most of each learning space • Online: • Delivering bite size content and limitless practice • Videos plus animations and simulations • Providing analytics • In class: • Time for active learning – from immediate practice to guided inquiry • Time for theatrics, stories, demonstrations and personal interactions
THANK YOU • Any questions? adam.bridgeman@sydney.edu.au adrian.george@sydney.edu.au • Acknowledgements: Colleagues that have been willing to implement this approach as well as the additional work they have expended to make it a success: Brendan Kennedy, Elizabeth New, SiegbertSchmid, Tim Schmidt and Greg Warr. The post-graduate tutor team that have guided activities during tutorials: Kat Badiola, Manuel Ghezzi, AmandeepKaur, Ed O’Neill, Clara Shen and James Williams.