Chemistry Professor Presented at Regional Meeting

Dr. Helen Boylan, Westminster College associate professor of chemistry, presented at the meeting of the Middle Atlantic Association of Liberal Arts Chemistry Teachers Nov 5-6 at Alvernia University in Reading.

Boylan's presentation, "Engaging Students in Course Content and Chemical Literature with Immediate Feedback Assessment Technique (IF-AT) Scratch-Offs," described how Boylan uses the technique with case studies in non-majors courses, with primary literature in analytical courses, and with course content in organic chemistry.

IF-AT is a multiple choice scratch-off sheet based on psychological principals related to learning and memory that allows students to learn from their mistakes.

"What is most amazing about the IF-AT process is the group discussion that occurs to get to a consensus answer," Boylan said. "Sometimes, discussion becomes animated as the students passionately justify their positions regarding the correct answer. Ultimately, the small groups celebrate their correct answers, critically analyze their incorrect answers, and have the opportunity to scratch off another selection."

Also attending the meeting was Dr. Sarah Kennedy, Westminster assistant professor of chemistry.

Boylan, a 1995 Westminster graduate who joined the faculty in 2001, earned a Ph.D. from Duquesne University.

Contact Boylan at (724) 946-6293 or e-mail boylanhm@westminster.edu for additional information.

Dr. Helen Boylan