Using very short writing tasks to promote understanding in chemistry

Abstract

Writing promotes deeper learning and critical thinking and can assist in knowledge retention, yet students write very little in lectures and tutorials. Very short and informal writing tasks requiring students to explain, describe and summarise their understanding in 1 or 2 sentences have been introduced into chemistry lectures and tutorials as part of our active learning activity toolkit. Development of writing skills is the responsibility of each discipline and every level of a degree and these tasks are used regularly throughout the semester to encourage students to use writing as a way of clarifying ideas and learning new concepts.