Reaction workup can be a complex problem for those facing novel synthesis of difficult compounds for the first time. Workup problem solving by systematic thinking should be inculcated as mid-graduate-level is reached. A structured approach is proposed, building decision tree flowcharts to analyze challenges, and an exemplar flowchart is presented…

Two approaches to teaching with technology to highlight practice-based teacher knowledge and actions for teaching technologically enhanced lessons are presented. Participants were two elementary pre-service teachers teaching during practicum. Qualitative data sources included verbatim transcripts of participant interviews, field notes of planning…

Little research has been conducted on how students work when they are required to plan, build and evaluate artefacts in technology rich learning environments such as those supported by tools including flow charts, "Labview" programming and Lego construction. In this study, activity theory was used as an analytic tool to examine the social…

Presented are flow charts to help students interpret infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of simple organic compounds. Advantages in using these charts are outlined. (JN)

A flow chart is used to illustrate analytical chemistry as a component of a problem-solving process. Beginning with a problem, the flow chart proceeds to the question, experimental design, experiments, data treatment, answer, and solution. Another flow chart is used to expand on experimental design. (Author/SK)

Presented three algorithms to university students in an introductory laboratory chemistry course and found that differences in the effects of representation modes--flow charts, lists, and standard prose--were complex and changed over 10 lab sessions. There was no evidence that representation mode affected critical thinking ability or final grade.…

This study, part of an instructional development project, explores the effects of three different representations of functional algorithms in an introductory chemistry laboratory. Intact classes were randomly assigned to a flowchart, list, or standard prose representation of the procedures (algorithms). At the completion of 11 laboratory sessions,…

Discusses the application of computer-assisted learning methods to the interpretation of infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectra; and outlines extensions into the area of integrated spectroscopy. (Author/CMV)