Resumen de Written Assignments in Organic Chemistry: Critical Reading and Creative Writing
A pair of writing assignments are described that challenge students to gain a deeper understanding of underlying concepts in organic chemistry and to read their textbook critically, deciphering the types of knowledge related by the text. In the first type of assignment, the student defines a concept in four different ways: definition, elaboration, example, and allegory. In the second assignment, the student examines a passage in the textbook, and categorizes the knowledge. Student feedback indicates these assignments improve student understanding. Evaluating written assignments in organic chemistry highlights for the instructor the areas where students are struggling, to be addressed in review sessions.
