Come to WA Branch Chemaraderie June 2023

5.30pm Tuesday 20 June 2023

The power of dialogue in learning chemistry

Associate Professor Daniel Southam, PhD, FRACI, CChem
School of Molecular and Life Sciences
Curtin University

Learning which preferences social and active forms of instruction are shown to be more effective than traditional methods, with numerous reports from chemistry classes of benefits for a range of cognitive and affective constructs.  In this case from our second-year structure and spectroscopy course at Curtin University I will explore the individual components of its learning design which constructively align in a prosocial model to demonstrably improve student learning and their perceptions of it.  Here, I highlight the power of dialogue — especially in assessment — and its transformative effect on learning abstract and practical concepts in chemistry.

Biography

Daniel Southam is Associate Professor in Chemistry at Curtin University, where he also has the roles of Director of Innovation and Technology in the Faculty of Science and Engineering and Deputy Chair of the Curtin Academy.  He is a passionate advocate of active learning, where he crafts engaging social environments blended with effective use of technology and reflective practice to support student development of skills necessary for lifelong learning.  He was awarded the Fensham Medal by the RACI in 2022 for outstanding contributions to chemical education is chair of the Institute’s accreditation committee.

Date:     Tuesday 20 June 2023

Time:     From 5.30pm.  Presentation commences at 6.00pm. 

               Refreshments prior and at seminar conclusion

Venue:   Exhibition Area, Building 500, Curtin University

               Plenty of free parking is available close to the venue at this time of day.

Cost:      $12 Members, $15 Non-members, $5 students.

Online registration is encouraged prior to attendance.