PHYS/ASTR Colloquium: "Promoting Student Success in Chemistry" - Prof. Michelle Sinapuelas (SF State)

Promoting Student Success in Chemistry

Why do some students struggle while others succeed in chemistry, and how can we help those who are struggling? In this talk I will address these questions through evaluation of how student beliefs, perceptions, and learning approaches influence student success in introductory chemistry. This will include an overview of the Learning Approaches Framework for Chemistry developed from my research. The framework characterizes four levels of learning approaches that were determined based on the activities reported during interviews by students around use of metacognitive skills, reference materials, practice problems, and interactions with others. I will also share how we are working to embed this work as part of our general chemistry redesign at SFSU.

Dr. Michelle Sinapuelas is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at SFSU. Before joining the Chemistry Department at SFSU she taught courses for future teachers in the Secondary Education Department. Her current research focuses on understanding how students can be best supported so all will achieve and persist in science. This includes specific consideration of how to increase participation and inclusion of traditionally underrepresented groups in science. Research interests within this work include student learning, achievement, diversity, equity, and increasing participation in science.