Introducing Theory in Practice: The Beneficiary Effects of Teaching Chemistry in the Laboratory on Student Success

The redesign of the first year basic chemistry course is described at the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences Chemical Engineer educational course. This was done with the aim to reduce student drop-out during the first year of the educational program. On one hand, it was chosen to teach the basic chemistry course in the laboratory where students had to work together in couples, and on the other hand, it was used to reduce only pure theoretical lectures drastically. Also, the preparation of the course material for each week was supposed to be done beforehand. Only students who had properly prepared were allowed to participate. The knowledge and skills were taught by conducting various titration experiments. At the end of the course, students were also tested by a written chemical calculation test. The laboratory skills were tested with an aptitude test. Also, lab journal keeping was evaluated. Evaluation after the course revealed an increase in the chemical calculation success rate from similar to 65% to similar to 85%. Furthermore, a questionnaire taken by students who followed the course showed improved educational joy and confidence. This report shows various steps in the course redesign such as the choices made during the course redesign, the student grading rubrics, and course planning.