The use of worksheets to promote active learning in large lecture classes

Abstract

The change of the mode of delivery from the high school classroom to a university lecture, particularly in larger classes, can be bewildering for many students. Often it is not the material itself that poses problems for students but, rather, they do not seem to know how to learn within their different disciplines. Providing opportunities for to students to practice using new ideas during lectures is one way to help bridge this gap. The worksheets we have developed supplement the lecture notes and encourage students to develop their knowledge by working through new ideas with other students. The worksheets also provide extra support in a class where there is a large range of prior experience in chemistry.