Do You Detest Organic Chemistry? Experiences of an Organic Chemistry Learning Assistant

Authors

Esther R. Francom, University of Central FloridaFollow

Files

Course Code

CHM

Course Number

4942

Faculty/Instructor

Dr. Matthew Rex

Faculty/Instructor Email

matthew.rex@ucf.edu

About the Author

This semester, I was ecstatic to become an Undergraduate Learning Assistant (ULA) for Organic Chemistry I. While I had graded and proctored for the course for two semesters prior, my interactions with the students were limited. Serving as a ULA combined two of my passions - organic chemistry and chemistry education. I have cherished my experiences as a ULA, and I plan to continue in this role next semester.

I would like to thank Dr. Matthew Rex (my CHM 4942 instructor) for his guidance throughout the semester.

I would also like to thank Dr. Paul Lawrence (the Organic Chemistry I instructor to whom I was assigned) for modeling the art of teaching organic chemistry.

Abstract, Summary, or Creative Statement

This project is a report of my service as an Undergraduate Learning Assistant (ULA) for Organic Chemistry I. Since there tends to be a negative stigma surrounding the course, I decided to focus on ways to help my students feel more comfortable with the course content. Specifically, I tried to make myself seem approachable by using student-centered learning strategies. Some of the ways I did this was by being present during my office hours and assigned class section, welcoming students, and praising student questions. Over the course of the semester, I saw an increase in my office hour attendance and participation, an increase in students calling me by name, and a decrease in student question apprehension. Through my service as a ULA, I have learned the importance of reflecting on my own teaching as well as the effectiveness of certain teaching strategies (such as praising questions). I plan to put this knowledge to good use as I peruse a graduate degree and conduct research in chemistry education.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Keywords

organic chemistry; learning assistant; education; ULA; service learning

Recommended Citation

Francom, Esther R., "Do You Detest Organic Chemistry? Experiences of an Organic Chemistry Learning Assistant" (2023). High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2023. 52.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hip-2023fall/52