Work

Guided Inquiry Outperforms the Traditional Expository Approach in Developing Key Soft Skills in Organic Chemistry Laboratory Courses

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Undergraduate students at a midsized comprehensive university took Organic Chemistry I laboratory delivered in an expository style followed by Organic Chemistry II laboratory the next semester delivered using a guided-inquiry approach. To compare student perceptions of the impacts of the two approaches on their own soft skills development, we conducted a mixed-method research study utilizing quantitative and qualitative data. Student survey data and interviews indicate that the guided-inquiry methodology had a greater impact than the expository approach on student perceptions of their persistence, motivation, confidence, and other soft skills.

Source: Journal of Chemical Education

DOI: 10.1021/acs.jchemed.5c01051

Authors: Michelle R. Fry, Kristi L. McQuade, Dean J. Campbell, Shawn D. Montag

Institution: Bradley University

Language: English

Topic: Science Education and Pedagogy

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500