The need for innovative methods of teaching and learning chemistry in higher education – reflections from a project of the European Chemistry Thematic Network

Abstract

This paper summarizes the work and conclusions of a working group established by the European Chemistry Thematic Network (ECTN). The aim of the working group was to identify potential areas for innovative approaches to the teaching and learning of chemistry in Higher Education, and to survey good practice throughout the EU. The paper starts by identifying and justifying the need for innovation in the methods used to teach chemistry in higher education to deal with challenges arising from the rapidly changing nature of higher education. This leads on to a brief discussion of each of ten distinct areas identified by the working group, where innovation is considered to offer opportunities for enhancing the student learning experience in higher level chemistry education. The importance of improved training in pedagogy and pedagogical content knowledge for new lecturers is also stressed.