Chapter 6 - Adopting a flipped classroom to teach and learn SciFinder in an undergraduate chemistry laboratory course

Abstract

SciFinder is a comprehensive and powerful database frequently used in chemistry research. There are presently two primary approaches in teaching undergraduate students to use SciFinder: (1) through a physical session in class and (2) through recorded videos online. However, there has not been a flipped classroom approach combining both the physical sessions and online lectures. By incorporating the flipped classroom approach of teaching SciFinder into a curriculum of an undergraduate chemistry laboratory course, we redesign and revamp the approach in teaching SciFinder, saving 25% of time used for physical sessions and gaining more time for hands-on exercise. The effectiveness of the flipped classroom approach in teaching SciFinder is evidenced by better grades as well as most students (64%) indicating that this approach has helped them learn better.