Chemistry students complete successful problem-based learning resources trial
A project aimed at developing new context and problem-based learning (CPBL) resources for undergraduate Chemistry students here at the University has come to a successful conclusion.
The project was funded by the South West Spoke of the National HE STEM Programme, whose team was based here from July 2009 to July 2012.
CPBL resources aim to increase students’ engagement with a subject by delivering courses which are based upon real-life applications of the principles, techniques and experiments students encounter in their undergraduate courses.
The Bath project, led by Dr Gan Shermer and supported by Emily MacCready of the Department of Chemistry, tasked students with running a simluated fireworks display, an activity that involved the development of key transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership and commercial awareness in a discipline-specific context and that required some basic undergraduate chemistry knowledge.
The CPBL resources were developed with involvement from industry (Alchemy Fireworks and Skyburst the Firework Company) which allowed the effective alignment of skills needs of employers and the needs of the STEM graduates themselves. In addition, the use of PhD students as ‘experts’ during the CPBL activity had the benefit of improving their communication and employability skills.
Dr Gan Shermer said:
‘The 5 week course was well-received by the students who undertook it. Several of them commented on how refreshing it was to be doing something different to the traditional lecture or workshop and to get the chance to develop important skills in a real-life setting.’
Gan is happy to share her experience of developing CPBL resources with colleagues, and all the learning and resources from the project are available online via the South West Spoke’s regional website.
Contact Dr Gan Shermer for further information about the CPBL resources
