Friday, 16 September 11:00am – 12:00pm

This seminar will be delivered in Chemistry Lecture Theatre 4 and Online Zoom. Please email chemistry.researchsupport@sydney.edu.au for zoom link and password.

Speaker: A/Prof. Daniel Southam; Curtin University

Host: Dr Reyne Pullen

Title:The power of dialogue in learning chemistry

Abstract: Learning which preferences social and active forms of instruction are shown to be more effective than traditional methods, with numerous reports from chemistry classes of benefits for a range of cognitive and affective constructs.  In this case from our second-year structure and spectroscopy course we will explore the individual components of its learning design which constructively align in a prosocial model to demonstrably improve student learning and their perceptions of it.  Here, we highlight the power of dialogue — especially in assessment — and its transformative effect on learning abstract and practical concepts in chemistry.

Biography: Daniel Southam is Associate Professor in Chemistry at Curtin University, where he also has the roles of Director of Innovation and Technology in the Faculty of Science and Engineering and Deputy Chair of the Curtin Academy.  He is a passionate advocate of active learning, where he crafts engaging social environments blended with effective use of technology and reflective practice to support student development of skills necessary for lifelong learning.  He was awarded a citation for outstanding contribution to student learning by the Australian Awards for University Teaching in 2017 and the Chemistry Educator of the Year by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute in 2014.  He is chair of the accreditation committee for the RACI.