Research and Publications
Summary
My
research addresses student learning within the following
realms:
1)
Conceptual Mastery and Retention from General Chemistry
to Organic Chemistry
Many
students who begin organic chemistry fail to retain
basic conceptual skills and fundamentals discussed in
general chemistry courses. This
often leads to student frustration and perceptions of
organic chemistry as a “weed out” class.
My interest lies in identifying the concepts
that are common to both general and organic chemistry
and finding new approaches to improve student learning
and long-term retention of those concepts.
2)
Integration of Knowledge Between the Classical Divisions
of Chemistry
Chemistry
majors proceed through a classical bachelor’s level
program in chemistry and often struggle to find relevant
parallels from one course sequence to another.
It often leads to the notion that general, organic,
inorganic, analytical, physical, and biochemistry are
all islands unto themselves. In
fact, knowledge from all of the courses is integrated
daily in industrial and academic science.
My interest lies in discovering new methodologies
for helping chemistry majors to actively integrate material
from different courses. This
will better prepare them for the demands of the scientific
workforce.
3)
The Use of Multimedia in the Chemistry Classroom
There
are many tools that teachers can use in the classroom
to improve the quality of instruction and increase student
learning in chemistry. Students
in my group will learn how to properly use these tools
with rational considerations to instructional design
principles.
4)
Distance Education
The
ability to communicate well through hindered mediums
is not a trivial skill. One
must be trained well in order to be successful in facilitating
learning and building community with students without
the benefit of non-verbal communication or a physical
presence. Students in my
group will have the opportunity to expand their repertoire
teaching strategies and skills by learning to teach
through hindered mediums.
Finally,
professional development is a vital element of training
to become an active faculty member.
My students will be encouraged to pursue and
develop their own ideas as well, en route to the construction
of a teaching portfolio and unique curriculum vitae
that will promote the student’s marketability in the
academic workforce.
Representative
Publication:
Miller,
T.A. Discussion Board-Based
Group Work in a Large Enrollment First Semester Organic
Chemistry Lecture Course. Illinois
Online Network – Pointers & Clickers
Jan./Feb. 2004 (invited
article) http://illinois.online.uillinois.edu/resources/pointersclickers/2004_01/index.asp
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