Design, Implementation, and Evaluation of Novel Discussion Exercises for First-Year Chemistry Students

In the Fall of 1999, Illinois State University (ISU) piloted a new General Chemistry I course. This course now includes cooperative learning exercises that were developed and implemented in biweekly discussion sections over the past four semesters. We now have discussion exercises all taught by six different tenured and tenure-track faculty members. This study focuses on the effect on student behaviors and learning in General Chemistry I. Data were obtained from student surveys, student interviews, instructor feedback, and examination results. The results obtained in this study show that student interest in chemistry can be maintained or increased by the incorporation of cooperative learning into the general chemistry curriculum. In addition, this cooperative learning approach promoted attendance, was enjoyable for many students, and seemed to have some positive effect on achievement.