To foster consideration of the interrelationships among chemistry, technology, and society, a
student-centered problem-based learning technique has been incorporated in the General
Chemistry curriculum at Harvey Mudd College. This approach involves the use of case studies
created for team-based analysis, discussion, and presentation in order to engage students in a
critical analysis of environmental and economic implications of chemical decisions. This
pedagogical approach places students in a central position in the educational process and enables
them to practice decision making, exercise analytical thinking, assimilate different perspectives,
develop habits of self-reflection, and enhance their communication skills. Materials for enhancing
faculty development in case study classroom management have also been prepared.
Back to Chemical Education I (General Session)
Web Page: www2.hmc.edu/~karukstis/nsfccliemd/
Back to The 56th Southeast Regional Meeting 2004 (November 10-13, 2004)