Faculty involved: Anthony Durante, Thomas Brennan, John Molina, Neal Phillip
Overview: The chemistry department developed strategies to be used in a modern laboratory setting. Digital resources such as software and DVD-based course content were used with new desktop and portable computers in order to build student’s critical thinking capacity through digitally-enabled analysis of experimental data and practice writing laboratory reports.
Specific goals:
- Develop transfer and career programs to respond to education and employment needs of the community that they serve.
- Develop and maintain modern and competitive Chemistry courses that serve the science and non-science students of the college.
- Maintain a high level of instructional and technical staff.
Outcomes: New Chemistry Lab and Classroom
- 17 Chemistry courses had two or more assignments completed in the lab.
- 215 students made independent use of the lab during the Fall 2009 semester; 237 students used it in Spring 2010.
- Lab space generated spontaneous and persistent social aspects of learning, with students forming learning dyads and “hanging out” in the lab during its operating hours.
Future goals:
- Increase operating hours of lab.
- Train adjunct chemistry professors in use of new lab equipment and teaching tools.
- More adoption of e-books and DVD course content across the department.
