Organic Chemistry Education

After decades of research, developing teaching devices, and using different methodologies, I found a method which produced excellent results, was not overly burdensome for me, and was enjoyed by students. My method was suitable for the very large class size (hundreds), as well as small class size. The method used a "flipped class" technique, filmed lectures which students watched before class, and hundreds of multiple choice questions worked in class, which students enjoyed.  Thus, students were offered three ways to study organic chemistry: (1) read the textbook, (2) watch Dr. Nelson’s lecture videos, (3) use the Socratic method to work, answer, and discuss problems in class.

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She researched the influences of attitude and personality upon learning and performance in the classroom. Students’ beliefs about their ability to improve their intelligence (known as mindset) have more impact on their academic outcomes in challenging learning environments, such as organic chemistry courses. Because little work has been done on the influence of mindset or personality upon performance in these courses, Dr. Nelson’s research determined the impacts of these characteristics by using the corresponding surveys. By comparing pre-course versus post-course survey scores, the impact of course content could be discerned and compared across courses.

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In Fall 2023, students enrolled in my Organic Chemistry 1 section created a petition asking that I teach "all sections" of Organic Chemistry 2, so they would be certain to have me and this teaching method for their Organic Chemistry 2. This petition was signed by almost 100 students. It is unusual to have such a petition created, which indicates that they enjoyed the unusual teaching methodology used in this course.