Offering Community Engagement Activities To Increase Chemistry Knowledge and Confidence for Teachers and Students

Abstract

Given the emphasis on community engagement in higher education, academic departments need to become more involved in the community. This paper discusses a number of outreach activities undertaken by the chemistry department at Rhodes University, South Africa. The activities range from service learning to community engagement with teachers and school students in partnership with other interested parties. Teachers who attended workshops reported that their subject knowledge and confidence had increased and they were subsequently doing more practical work in lessons. Practical chemistry demonstrations and workshops afforded opportunities for school students to observe or perform chemical experiments and interact with university students. Undergraduate students directly benefitted from involvement in community engagement through the development and implementation of credit-bearing service learning.

Devising a Unique Model for Science Outreach Programmes With Critical Engagement From Teachers Across the 5-19 Age Range

“…As some time has passed since the initial start-up of this CETL there has been a lot of time dedicated to monitor the impact of this Outreach Programme on schools, the teachers and even the general public (Shaw et al, 2010;Harrison et al, 2011;Shallcross et al, 2013;Sewry et al, 2014;Glover et al, 2016). Shallcross et al (2013) identify that the awards and subsequent funding that Bristol ChemLabS have gained since the HEFCE funding stream ended in 2010.…”

“…technologies or mobile laboratories to ensure children in rural schools receive similar opportunities Sewry et al (2014). describe how science departments from an HEI in South Africa, have taken active steps to involve communities by inviting teachers to inbound CPD sessions utilising undergraduate students.…”

“…describe how science departments from an HEI in South Africa, have taken active steps to involve communities by inviting teachers to inbound CPD sessions utilising undergraduate students. The undergraduate university students obtain academic credit for their involvement with target communities that are disadvantaged in both urban and rural environments Sewry et al (2014…”

Chemistry in Our Community: Strategies and Logistics Implemented to Provide Hands-On Activities to K–12 Students, Teachers, and Families

“…The interaction with undergraduate students, currently enrolled in Chemistry courses, has helped them to understand firsthand the importance of their precollege preparation in math and science and can promote positive attitudes toward Chemistry education . When hands-on activities are brought to elementary school teachers, they gain increased knowledge and confidence in how to incorporate more practical work in STEM lessons. , When parents are engaged in STEM hands-on activities, they can learn how to support and motivate their children to succeed in science learning. , Parents appreciate how these activities increase the interest of their children toward precollege STEM education and future academic and professional career paths . In this article, we will discuss the coordination and organization of the hands-on activities that we have developed to increase Chemistry interest in the community and the approaches used to engage different groups of the community (precollege students, teachers, parents, college faculty, and undergraduate students).…”

Interactive Educational Activities and Their Impacts on Student’s Innovation, Teaching and Learning at Jubail Industrial College (KSA)

“…Recommendations and examples from the literature were also considered to plan for this activity, instructors have also used outreach efforts as a platform for university students to participate in service learning [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8].…”