Seminar 10/19/18 Comparing Chemistry Education Research to Chemistry Research -- Use of Automated Response Systems (ARS) in a Small, Upper-division Chemistry Class

Comparing Chemistry Education Research to Chemistry Research -- Use of Automated Response Systems (ARS) in a Small, Upper-division Chemistry Class
Dr. James Kirby, Associate Professor of Chemistry
October 19, 2018 3:00 pm Buckman Theater

What is scientific research? There are many answers. In the beginning of the talk, comparisons will be made between scientific research and educational research. Then, the talk will transition into part of a recent presentation made at the 256th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society: Audience response systems (ARS, “clickers”) are commonly used to increase student engagement and achievement of course objectives. The study was performed in a small class (less than 20 students) to evaluate whether student learning is improved over traditional lecture/problem solving teaching methods.

James Kirby has been a member of the Quinnipiac faculty since 1996. His fields of research are Inorganic Chemistry and Chemical Education. His Inorganic Chemistry work is in the field of polyoxometalates, large inorganic complex anions that bridge small molecules and large, extended structures in their size and properties. His Chemical Education research has recently focused on the use of Automated Response Systems in the small-sized classroom. Dr. Kirby teaches General Chemistry and Inorganic Chemistry at Quinnipiac. He is past-president and member of the Quinnipiac Chapter of Sigma Xi and of the American Chemical Society, New Haven Section.