SimChemistry as an active learning tool in chemical education

Kim Bolton; Elisabeth Saalman; Michael Christie; Ake Ingerman; Cedric Linder

doi:10.1039/b812417p

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SimChemistry as an active learning tool in chemical education

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

SimChemistry as an active learning tool in chemical education

Kim Bolton, Elisabeth Saalman, Michael Christie, Ake Ingerman and Cedric Linder

Chemistry Education Research and Practice, Vol.9(3), pp.277-284

2008

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/b812417p

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Abstract

active learning

cooperative learning

molecular simulation

reflective diaries

visualization in learning

The publicly available free computer program, SimChemistry, was used as an active learning tool in the chemical engineering curriculum at the University College of Borås, Sweden. The activity involved students writing their own simulation programs on topics in the area of molecular structure and interactions. Evaluation of the learning experience was done using interviews and by comparing learning outcomes with previous teachings of the topics. Overall, the outcome was interactively engaging group work, high quality construction of simulations, and a much better ability to explain molecular-level chemical concepts and their relations. An interesting perception that emerged during the interviews was that many of the students were unable to explicitly describe the improvement in learning that they had experienced. However, they did recognize that learning had occurred, and all firmly and positively recommended that the initiative be continued for subsequent courses.

Details

Title: SimChemistry as an active learning tool in chemical education
Authors: Kim Bolton (Author) - University College of Boras, Sweden
Elisabeth Saalman (Author) - Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden
Michael Christie (Author) - Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden
Ake Ingerman (Author) - Gothenburg University, Sweden
Cedric Linder (Author) - Uppsala University, Sweden
Publication details: Chemistry Education Research and Practice, Vol.9(3), pp.277-284
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (R S C) Publications
Date published: 2008
DOI: 10.1039/b812417p
ISSN: 1756-1108
Copyright note: Copyright © 2008 The Royal Society of Chemistry. The author accepted version is reproduced here in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher. Restrictions on further re-use and distribution apply.
Organisation Unit: School of Education - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99448717002621
Output Type: Journal article

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Web Of Science research areas: Education & Educational Research; Education, Scientific Disciplines

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