Designing curricular elements to improve students’ comprehension of Hammett plots

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dc.contributor.authorArama, Gal
dc.date.accessioned2025-05-06T22:09:51Z
dc.date.available2025-05-06T22:09:51Z
dc.date.issued2025
dc.description.abstractThis study examines the effects of newly designed curricular elements on students’ comprehension of and engagement with Hammett plots in CHEM 337—an upper-level organic chemistry course. Given the limited research on effective teaching strategies for complex topics like Hammett plots, this work aims to enhance cognitive and affective engagement through a curriculum that includes a tutorial, literature discussion, and assignment. We analyzed pre- and post-intervention survey responses to assess changes in perceived skill development and affective experiences. Additionally, we compared assignment grades from Fall 2022 (no changes) with those from Fall 2024 (with changes). Results indicate improvement in students’ perceived understanding of Hammett plots and ability to answer questions related to the topic, with heightened confidence in predicting reaction and substituent constants, proposing mechanisms, and engaging with empirical data. The literature discussion considerably enhanced students’ appreciation of real-world applications in chemistry, reinforcing learning in context. These findings underscore the importance of integrating cognitive and affective elements to foster a deep understanding of complex topics in advanced chemistry courses. Ultimately, this research may inform future curricular designs, contributing to improved educational practices that prepare students for advanced academic and professional challenges in chemistry.
dc.description.reviewstatusReviewed
dc.description.scholarlevelUndergraduate
dc.description.sponsorshipJamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Awards (JCURA)
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/1828/22150
dc.publisherUniversity of Victoria
dc.subjectupper-division undergraduate
dc.subjectorganic chemistry
dc.subjectscience literature
dc.subjectcourse design
dc.subjectHammett plots
dc.subjectchemistry education
dc.titleDesigning curricular elements to improve students’ comprehension of Hammett plots
dc.typePoster

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