Preparation and evaluation of the CASPiE Project at Ball State University : with special consideration on the development and preparation for peer leaders in the laboratory

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Authors
Smith, Dustan A.
Advisor
Towns, Marcy H.
Issue Date
2006
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (M.S.)
Department
Department of Chemistry
Other Identifiers
Abstract

In the typical general chemistry environment, the use of lecture and laboratory are important components to the instruction. The Center for Authentic Science Practice in Education (CASPiE) Project, now being implemented at Ball State University, uses a research module approach to provide laboratory instruction. This new approach not only engages students in authentic research practices but applies the Peer Led Team Learning (PLTL) concept to the learning environment. In this study, the implementation of training techniques and the overall development of the peer leaders at Ball State were investigated. As a result, several recommendations are presented to improve the overall experience of the peer leaders and the students they serve. These include the continuation of current training techniques with more emphasis given to reflection with the peer leaders and the faculty of their impact and the institution of a training schedule for peer leaders that includes student learning styles, module content and instrumentation, and techniques for interacting with students.

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