Building a Fruitful Relationship between the Chemistry and Chemical Education Communities within a Department of Chemistry

Abstract

Many chemical education researchers are faculty members within departments of chemistry at higher education institutions. The type of research work that they carry out has fundamental similarities to other scientific research in the department, but differs in its methods and tools. Research in chemical education can be of great benefit to departments and other scientists in those departments. However, the work and the field may not be fully understood by all of the stakeholders. This chapter describes ways in which the goals of chemistry departments and chemical education researchers can be identified and overlap between them can be found. Descriptions of possible modes of collaboration and interaction are provided. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the importance of communication among chemical education. researchers, other scientists and the broader public.