Title: Chemistry for All Learners: Identifying Barriers and Opportunities
Abstract: Equal access to education, with a focus on improving inclusion for historically marginalized groups, has been a longstanding goal of educators and administrators. However, evidence continues to mount that students from these groups still do not receive equitable access in chemistry coursework. This talk will situate the problem of inequity in STEM within an undergraduate chemistry curriculum, focusing on the questions: Are there discipline-specific barriers for our chemistry students? How might our teaching practices be modified to support diverse learners? Survey and interview data from students and faculty will describe the barriers our students face; grade outcomes in support of alternate course methods will also be presented. Finally, comparison of these results will be made to general principles of Universal Design for Learning to offer practical recommendations for increasing accessibility in chemistry.
Bio: Brittland DeKorver is an associate professor in the Chemistry Department at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI. She earned her Ph.D. in chemistry education from Purdue University. Dr. DeKorver has conducted research in informal science education to develop demonstration shows that teach science concepts and measure student learning. She has also conducted research about students’ experiences in chemistry laboratory coursework and digital badging to evaluate students’ lab skills. Her current research interests explore issues of diversity and equity in chemistry coursework, with recent papers about how students with disabilities experience receiving accommodations and how educators can implement practices to create more inclusive classrooms. She also leads an online Community of Practice for chemistry educators called “Strategies for Teaching Chemistry”. Her hobbies include sailing, gardening, and making music with her family.
Host: Prof. Sam Pazicni