Teaching Methods for Organic Chemistry

Organic chemistry is the bane of pre-medical students everywhere. From the complex formulas and molecular structures to the concepts that take explanation and practice to master, there is definitely a lot of material to be taught in organic chemistry. However, this process can be simplified for both students and teachers by using several powerful teaching methods to help streamline the process.
  1. Basics First

    • Starting with the basics is always helpful. A review of general chemistry is important, especially when it comes to understanding the periodic table and the formation of compounds. Every time you introduce a new concept, break down the components and provide an overview before delving into the specifics of each branch. This is vital to the overall learning experience. For example, when discussing chemical bonding, briefly describe covalent bonding, Lewis structures and other forms of bonding before providing relevant illustrations and problem sets.

    Slides for the Book

    • Provide PowerPoint slides of the most important content from the textbook. You may not end up using these slides during your class, but the fact that there is a resource available for students to scan the book without actually pouring over every word saves them a great deal of painstaking examination while allowing you to take a more focused approach to teaching.

    Comprehensive and Constant Study

    • End each class with a question regarding the material that you just covered or provide worksheets on a regular basis regarding lecture topics or assigned readings. This will help the students gather their thoughts and provide them with a strong review system.

    In-Class Problems

    • Once you have covered the basic steps, provide in class demonstrations of problems that are more difficult than the ones demonstrated through the standard text and workbooks. This will help your students understand how to better approach potential test questions. Allotting time in the class schedule to go over such questions may be difficult, but it will ultimately pay off--especially for students seeking upper level chemical studies. Labeling questions as "easy," "intermediate" or "difficult" is another useful gauge for both you and your students.

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