Abstract

DEL PINO, José Cláudio  and  CACHAPUZ, António F.. En busca del perfeccionamiento de una asignatura de introducción a la química en la enseñanza universitaria. Educ. quím [online]. 2008, vol.19, n.4, pp.332-337. ISSN 0187-893X.

In this paper we critically analyze a successful case of an introductory Chemistry course at the University of Aveiro, Portugal. Our goal was to identify the main characteristics of the innovations carried out which may tentatively explain the high rate without lowering academic standards. Data collected from different pieces of information were cross analyzed and four characteristics emerged: lectures were organized so as to actively involve students in the learning process; teaching was organized to stimulate the students for the study of Chemistry and also so as to reflect the way Chemistry is done; course coordination ensured an appropriate balance between pedagogical coherence within the group and the individual initiatives of staff members. Overall, these aspects reveal a clear shift from traditional teacher-centered practices to student-centered instruction congruent with constructivist ideas.

Keywords : first-year undergraduate; chemical education; student-centered learning; professional development.