New Problem Based Learning resources

University of Leeds create new Problem Based Learning resources for the RSC's award-winning Learn Chemistry platform

A team of academics and students, led by Dr Samantha Pugh have created three context/problem-based learning (CPBL) resources for the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Novel experiential learning resources were created on: Recycling the Undesired Enantiomer of Naproxen (Dr Nimesh Mistry, Sarah Naramore, George Burslem); Nuclear Decommissioning (Dr Samantha Pugh and Dr Tzany Kokalova - University of Birmingham), and Chemistry Careers in SMEs (Dr Samantha Pugh, Ben Hetherington and Christopher Hone). The project was made possible by a £30k RSC grant.

A novel approach was taken in this project in that it provided an opportunity for postgraduate and undergraduate students to co-author teaching resources. Student authors developed their skills, links with business and had a great experience, as shown in this quote:

'...it has been incredibly rewarding to have achieved so much in a relatively short space of time. I must admit that I'm proud of the work I've done; it was a challenge that I rose to and enjoyed.'

The Chemistry Careers in SMEs resources were taught to first year chemists in spring/summer 2016, with excellent feedback; 96% of students increased their knowledge of SMEs and 88% would recommend the module.

The resources are freely available on the RSC's Learn Chemistry platform under a Creative Commons licence.