Group Problem Solving In General Chemistry Recitation to Promote Learning

At the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, we adopted a strategy that facilitates group problem solving in recitations associated with the general chemistry course. Problem solving skills play a crucial role in student success in general chemistry. Students must achieve both level 1 (information) and level 2 (comprehension) to succeed in the course. Problems that require both critical thinking and collaboration were introduced to help the students develop level 2 skills. Our presentation will focus on the implementation of the strategy and its impact on student learning and problem solving ability as measured by exam averages. After the presentation the audience will work in self-selected groups to identify and discuss activities that they have used in their courses to enable students to develop problem solving skills. A questionnaire will be administered to each group to identify successful practices to be compiled and shared with participants after the conference