TEACHING ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

Abstract

THE INFAMOUS, DREADED ORGO, a marathon of memorization. Unfortunately, that's how all too many college students view their first exposure to organic chemistry. Their trepidation is justified: One-quarter to one-half of beginning organic students don't do well enough to continue on to the next course, according to Jack A. Kampmeier, professor of chemistry at the University of Rochester, New York. Kampmeier spoke at a symposium on teaching organic chemistry, one of a series at the American Chemical Society national meeting in San Diego that focused on teaching the major areas of chemistry. The two-day organic session, sponsored by the Divisions of Chemical Education and of Organic Chemistry, included a number of presentations that showcased how cooperative groups can help students master the subject. At Rochester, for example, peer-led team learning workshops form an integral part of the beginning organic chemistry courses. Groups of six to eight students meet for two hours each week to work ...