Chemistry Is in the News (CIITN) activities were assessed for an implementation in a large lecture organic chemistry course at the University of Missouri–Columbia. The activities consisted of the study, creation and peer review of "news portfolios" by collaborative student groups. A news portfolio consists of news articles with interpretive comments and questions. It was the primary purpose of these activities to make explicit connections between organic chemistry and societal issues and to require students to think critically about these connections. The present assessment of CIITN is focused on student acceptance of the project because students' acceptance is essential for any curriculum development. A systematic study was performed using qualitative and quantitative measures to assess the CIITN implementation, particularly with regards to (i) the effectiveness of the CIITN technical component, (ii) the student perception of CIITN, and (iii) the students' utilization of collaborative groups. Several important findings were made that have clear and direct implications for improvements and integration into courses of these teaching materials. The most important result of the assessment is the finding of a significant correlation between students' initial expectations about the group projects and learning outcomes.
Supplement
Some verbatim comments regarding community building and networking, process-oriented learning skills, and project challenges from the students are available.
The "Chemistry Teacher Connection" (CTC) is especially for high school chemistry teachers. For only $40/year, it offers an online-only subscription to CLIC along with membership in the Division of Chemical Education, normally $65/year. CTC subscribers receive access to all articles and supplements from 1996 through the current issue.
Through special arrangement with the ACS, JCE High School CLIC is now able to provide subscribers with online access to Chemical & Engineering News articles that have been selected specifically for secondary science instructors and their students.
Occasionally, collections of JCE back issues become available for donation to individual teachers, schools, or libraries. JCE matches collections with interested recipients. Recipients pay shipping costs or pick up the collection.
For journals in other fields of chemistry visit ACS Publications.
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