ERIC Number: EJ1452314
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024-Feb
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0021-9584
EISSN: EISSN-1938-1328
Available Date: N/A
Improving Soft Skills and Uncovering the Hidden Curriculum: Report on a Pilot Communication Workshop for Chemistry Students Engaged in Research
Journal of Chemical Education, v101 n2 p374-381 2024
Instruction and guidance in soft skills, such as writing and speaking, are important for successful training of the future chemical workforce. Relatedly, accessible knowledge transfer on the "hidden curriculum" is critical for student success this is especially important for first generation college students, international students, and others who may be less likely to gain this information through informal means. Included in this "hidden curriculum" are details on how to craft successful cover letters, statements, and other application materials tailored to specific job or award opportunities. Here, a two-day workshop for research-active chemistry students is described. The workshop aimed to help address these interrelated needs as students progress through their training program and toward their careers. The workshop integrated active learning, peer review, outside speakers and resources, and extensive discussion, in addition to assigned readings and facilitator presentations. The workshop was evaluated based on voluntary, anonymous pre-workshop and post-workshop surveys. Gains in student self-reported confidence and knowledge of specific key concepts were identified, and the general free-form feedback was quite positive. This report provides an overview of the workshop program and materials, a discussion of the evaluation outcomes, and ideas for future improvements and extensions.
Descriptors: Chemistry, Science Instruction, Soft Skills, Hidden Curriculum, First Generation College Students, Foreign Students, Writing Across the Curriculum, Professional Education, Student Attitudes, Self Esteem
Division of Chemical Education, Inc. and ACS Publications Division of the American Chemical Society. 1155 Sixteenth Street NW, Washington, DC 20036. Tel: 800-227-5558; Tel: 202-872-4600; e-mail: eic@jce.acs.org; Web site: http://pubs.acs.org/jchemeduc
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A