2024 Homecoming Chemistry Lecture

Who’s Teaching Who? Still Learning after 25 Years of Teaching.

Presented by Dr. Michelle Applebee, '00

Chair and Associate Professor

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Elmhurst University, Chicago, IL

Over the last 25 years the landscape of college teaching has changed due to evolving educational methodologies, advances in technology, global events and changing student demographics.  Global events have added challenges and stressors to the education system which resulted in innovation and new perspectives to education from both the provider and consumer.  A more diverse student body enriches the campus and increases the need to be inclusive and understanding of students learning, medical and socio-economic needs during instruction while still holding content standards.  Traditional lectures have been replaced with more active learning methods to increase engagement and inclusivity in the classroom.   Advances in technology have enhanced instruction with improved modeling, increased real-time feedback and greater accessibility to information, but the pressure to be successful has resulted in abuse of these systems by students.   Drawing on empirical evidence and anecdotal insights, the speaker offers their experiences aimed at balancing the challenges faced by instructors to foster inclusivity and retain quality of instruction toward diverse student populations.