| Concept Advancement through Chemistry Laboratory-Lecture, or cAcL 2, was developed to establish an active learning environment in introductory chemistry courses. The program has incorporated elements believed to positively influence student performance and attitudes, namely, cooperative learning, hands-on activities, real-world applications, and engaging technology. A full year of curriculum materials was developed and pilot-tested in the classroom in order to achieve an active learning environment. The cAcL2 instructional approach was evaluated through both quantitative and qualitative means. The quantitative study of two sections of a first semester general chemistry course revealed that cAcL2 has a greater positive impact on student performance when compared to that of traditional lecture students. A subsequent qualitative study on a second semester general chemistry course gathered practical data on student problem solving and graphing abilities. The collected data provided insight on student practices allowing suggestions for classroom instructional strategies to be made. Attitudinal data from both the quantitative and qualitative studies revealed positive changes in student attitudes toward learning as well as recognition of the benefits and appreciation of the active learning environment offered by cAcL2. |
