Developing Problem-Solving Skills in Chemistry Students Through Project-Based Learning

Milian, Julieta

Abstract

This article outlines the efforts undertaken to enhance the Advanced Organic Chemistry course at the third-year level by integrating transferable skills into the curriculum, thus improving the employability of students. The study demonstrates the potential of practical classes in promoting problem-solving and creative thinking skills, which are essential for achieving higher-order learning outcomes that are sought after by businesses and institutions hiring chemistry graduates. To achieve this, the course was redesigned to include a project that each student had to complete during their 12 days of allocated laboratory sessions, based on cutting-edge research, providing relevant and up-to-date information on the latest developments in the field. Students were given the freedom to make their own choices throughout the project, promoting initiative, self-confidence, problem-solving, and time-management skills. The project focused on developing technical skills crucial to research laboratories, instilling a curiosity-driven and research-oriented mindset that would enable students to face unforeseen challenges in their professional lives.

Citation

Milian, J. (2023). Developing Problem-Solving Skills in Chemistry Students Through Project-Based Learning. Journal of International Scientific Publications: Educational Alternatives, 21, 85-96

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 24, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Oct 20, 2023
• Publication Date: Oct 20, 2023
• Deposit Date: Nov 21, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 22, 2023
• Journal: Journal of International Scientific Publications: Educational Alternatives
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 21
• Pages: 85-96
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1946264