High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2023
![Do You Detest Organic Chemistry? Experiences of an Organic Chemistry Learning Assistant](https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hip-2023fall/1000/thumbnail.jpg)
Do You Detest Organic Chemistry? Experiences of an Organic Chemistry Learning Assistant
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Course Code
CHM
Course Number
4942
Faculty/Instructor
Dr. Matthew Rex
Faculty/Instructor Email
matthew.rex@ucf.edu
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
![Do You Detest Organic Chemistry? Experiences of an Organic Chemistry Learning Assistant](https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hip-2023fall/1000/thumbnail.jpg)