The “pHunger Games”: Manuscript Review to Assess Graduating Chemistry Majors

Abstract

Numerous options exist to assess student performance using standardized, multiple-choice exams at the course and department levels. This paper describes the development and implementation of an alternative department-level assessment for graduating chemistry majors. The assessment detailed here evaluates students’ ability to transfer chemical knowledge from their classes to a real life application, namely the review of a scientific paper. Working in groups of three with full access to reference materials, students review a paper intentionally doctored by the faculty to contain a variety of errors. Student groups identify and correct mistakes in a paper with content spanning numerous chemistry subdisciplines. To motivate student effort, a prize is awarded to the group submitting the most thorough review. The data collected from the “pHunger Games” will inform curricular reform and innovation throughout the department.