Workshop Descriptions and Schedules

Are you interested exploring ways to:

  • help your students learn to reason through problems rather than relying on algorithmic solutions;
  • help students make connections between the concepts of chemistry and real-world phenomena;
  • get your students actively involved in discovery and inquiry rather than just attempting to "learn for the exams";
  • introduce your students to the process of doing science/chemistry so that they recognize its strengths and limitations;
  • engage students in learning to speak and write the "language" of chemistry/science?

If so, consider one of our workshops below where participants will experience ways to:

  • create an active learning environment in lecture courses,
  • use periodic writing assignments to measure depth of content understanding,
  • convert traditional laboratory exercises to guided inquiry laboratory experiments,
  • use problem-based learning where real-world questions drive the activities,
  • use technology as a learning/teaching tool,
  • better evaluate student learning with various assessment tools and techniques, and
  • successfully implement peer-led team learning in undergraduate courses.

Workshop Descriptions

Academic Year: The academic year workshop will bring workshop leaders from each of the systemic initiative projects to a host institution. The workshop will include a brief introduction to each of the four systemic initiative projects, an active learning experience, the research findings on teaching and learning, and information and tools for assessment of student learning. Participants will also have the opportunity to experience all four of the projects by working closely with workshop leaders in 2.25 hour blocks doing activities unique to each project. Time will be available to discuss the common features of the four projects and issues involved in implementing instructional changes. Participants will leave with an idea of the common features of the four projects along with much in the way of materials and activities. These academic year workshops may not provide complete preparation for full implementation of a given project. For those faculty who wish to experience a project in greater depth there are three day summer immersion workshops.

Summer Immersion: The summer immersion workshop will provide an in-depth hands-on exposure to one of the systemic initiative projects. Participants will work with several workshop leaders to learn about the unique features of the project. The typical workshop will allow participants to use materials and to learn how to adapt materials for integration into their classrooms. The participants will leave this workshop prepared to implement all or portions of the materials and activities.

Workshops

Speakers are available for seminars on request by contacting Dr. Eileen Lewis (eileen@berkeley.edu).

Past Workshops

Click here for a list of all past workshops.

Hosting a Workshop

If you are willing to host a 11/2-day academic year workshop, please contact Dr. Eileen Lewis directly or complete the on-line form to host an academic year workshop. At the web site you can view information regarding site facilities requirements, local lodging and dining arrangements, and a sample workshop agenda or you can request a copy by contacting Dr. Lewis. If you are interested in attending either an academic year or a summer immersion workshop please go to the contacts page and contact the MIDP Project Coordinator. You will be provided information about dates and locations for the workshops as they become available.
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Last Modified: 7/20/04