Alternatives for the easy learning of chemical concepts directed to chemistry studentsIntegrating basic research into lab teaching

Resumen

The methodology presented in this work is designed for experimental chemical classes based on laboratory practices and it is directed to undergraduate chemical student. The methodology is based on real research, compiled from publications in scientific journals and evaluated from an ecological and sociological perspective. The main objective of the application of real laboratory practices from these perspectives is to introduce laboratory teaching as a set of proposed benefits for: i) the better understanding of chemical concepts, ii) promoting students’ motivation in laboratory classes; and iii) strengthening the links between research and laboratory practices. For the development of the methodology we proposed a strategy that combines seminars and experimental work in the laboratory to promote a high level of understanding of chemical concepts through expansive learning actions based on real research topics. The proposed methodology was evaluated with a critical thinking perspective (TC) with professors from different university campuses and showed that the feedback developed was satisfactory and effective for the students’ learning process. After the debate between teachers of the same experimental chemical course about the evaluation of the learning process all the practices were considered evaluable: the sampling design, the sampling process, the experimental work proposed by the students and, finally, the work carried out in the laboratory. Students are also invited to improve their evaluation with an oral presentation in the last seminar session.