lab practical exam

Drs. Geeta Govindarajoo and Mary Emenike, along with undergraduate chemistry major June Lee, developed a digital badge for Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) that can be included as a part of a laboratory practical exam in an organic chemistry lab course for science majors. In addition to describing the badge assignment, laboratory practical assignment, and associated rubrics, their Journal of Chemical Education article includes findings from student data collected over four semesters to support the demonstration of learning gains and overall positive experiences with the badge assignment. Student data was also analyzed to inform decisions during the development process and suggested implications for teaching and future research.

Govindarajoo, G., Lee, J. Y., & Emenike, M. E. (2021). Proof of Concept for a Thin-Layer Chromatography Digital Badge Assignment Within a Laboratory Practical Exam for a Nonchemistry Majors’ Organic Chemistry Lab. Journal of Chemical Education, 98(9), 2775-2785. doi:10.1021/acs.jchemed.1c00598

About the Authors

Geeta Govindarajoo is a Teaching Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, with a background in organic chemistry. In addition to teaching the one-semester organic chemistry lab course for science majors every semester, she teaches Chemistry of Art and has previously taught organic chemistry lectures and recitations and general chemistry lectures and recitations. Govindarajoo is one of the academic co-coordinators for the department.

Mary Emenike is an Assistant Professor of Professional Practice in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, with a background in chemistry education research. She teaches the Introduction to Chemistry Education course for chemistry peer leaders (teaching interns and undergraduate laboratory teaching assistants), which is required for the Certificate in Chemistry Education and the ACS Chemistry Education Minor. She also teaches recitations in the extended general chemistry course. Emenike has previously taught the pedagogy course required for first-semester Learning Assistants - Peer Instruction Education. Learn more about Emenike’s teaching and research here: https://sasose.rutgers.edu/triad-coalition/93-triad-coalition/who-we-are/196-mary-emenike-about

June Lee graduated from Rutgers in May 2021 with an undergraduate degree in chemistry and a Masters of Teaching degree for physical science. After graduating, Lee started teaching physics at Homdel Township School District.