Brittany Butler
Courses
CHEM 1030 Intro Chem Survey
CHEM 1110 General Chemistry I (2 sections)
CHEM 1120 General Chemistry II
Reflection on Using High-Impact Teaching Practices
One of the biggest changes I made this semester as a result of attending the Gen Ed Scholars Institute focused on “Making Thinking & Learning Visible.” I wanted to move further away from the stereotypical (boring) large lecture course by creating more opportunities in class for thinking and learning. One of the many activities presented during the institute under this topic was MYST, which stands for Me, You, Space, and Time. “Me” asks the question, “How am I modeling my own thinking?” I gave much more attention to detailing my thought process and the thought process of successful students in solving problems and in studying.
After each exam, students also completed a reflection on what worked and what did
not work in terms of their study habits, preparation, and their actions during the
exam. I received very positive feedback about the reflection assignment and will keep
using it in the spring as an extra credit assignment.
Reflection on Gen Ed Scholars Institute
The Gen Ed Scholars Institute really helped me focus on my approach to teaching and provided great resources to help students see themselves as learners.
What's Next
In the spring, I will also take a close look at “what I am doing for my students that they could be doing for themselves,” so that I can continue to empower students as learners. This is just one of the many questions presented during the institute and in Cultures of Thinking in Action: 10 Mindsets to Transform our Teaching and Students’ Learning by Ritchhart.