Boyd L. Earl

The impact of web-based worked examples and self-explanation on performance, problem solving, and self-efficacy

Studying worked examples and engaging in self-explanation are well-supported strategies for developing self-regulated learning and improving student performance. Our efforts involve a design theory approach to creating a Web-based learning tool that uses the notion of a weekly quiz to draw students into an environment that supports the development of fundamental strategies for improving performance and well-structured problem solving. This manuscript describes a quasi-experimental study to isolate the specific impact of our tool on student learning and motivation. Results are inconclusive about an impact for students only provided with worked examples. The combination of a worked example with a self-explanation prompt produces improvement in performance, problem solving skill, and self-efficacy.

CO2 Laser-induced rearrangement of azulene to naphthalene

The first rearrangement of an aromatic compound to be induced by i.r. radiation is reported and has been used to provide evidence against the involvement of wall effects in the conventional thermal rearrangement of azulene to naphthalene.

Program for the Division of Chemical Education

This article summarizes the program for the Division of Chemical Education at the ACS National Meeting in San Francisco, CA.