E-mail to Dr. Wamser before Monday, November 3, 8 am: (WamserC@pdx.edu)
(worth up to 2 extra credit points for thoughtful responses)
1) How are you spending your time on this class (outside of class hours)?
2) What is most effective for you in learning new material in this course?
3) What is the most effective activity we do in class ? the least effective ?
4) Any other comments about this class.
Student responses are summarized in terms of general positive and negative comments about aspects of :
What works in learning organic chemistry ?
The Top Ten
1. Practice with problems (59)
2. Computer visualizations (24)
3. Pre-quizzes (24)
4. Reading the text (22)
(7 praised the text & guide)
5. Class organization (20)
6. Study groups (13)
7. Class lecture (10)
8. Question/answer time (7)
9. Extra credit (7)
10. Writing out notes (5)
Other Positive Comments
Model Kits (4)
Tutor room (3)
E-mail molecules (3)
Flash cards (3)
Discussion list (2)
Alternative text (2)
Sample exams & quizzes (2)
Discussing research (2)
Computer lab (1)
Web-ster's O-Chem (1)
The Bottom Ten
(most negative comments)
1. Showing web pages (20)
2. Going over notes (12)
3. Question/answer time (7)
4. Pre-quizzes (6)
5. Showing models (5)
6. Class noise (2)
6. Textbook (2)
8. Too much tech (2)
9. Time (lunchtime) (1)
10. Watching screen go up & down (1)
Other Comments & Suggestions
better model kits
recitation section
put up web stuff sooner
more time for exams
do model practice in class
give answers for practice problems
xerox the lecture notes
NO note cards for exams
My personal favorites
Many students said, in one form or another:
"this class isn't as bad as I heard it would be"
"This is the most effective learning environment
that I have experienced in college thus far."
"In XXX class, reading ahead was only a guarantee
of boredom during the presentation, whereas in chem,
I find the more I prepare the more I get out of the
class periods."