Madhu Mahalingam 

Biography

I am interested in the development and adoption of methodologies in chemistry instruction that enable students to become engaged learners, shifting the focus from faculty instruction to student learning. The goal is to improve students understanding of chemistry, their ability to apply learning to new situations, and enhance their critical thinking and problem solving skills. The methods adopted so far include structured group problem-solving in General Chemistry recitations, use of technology both during class and outside the classroom for formative assessments and the use of group discussion in laboratory instruction. All of these approaches enable students to assess their comprehension and skills relative to their peers, therefore, developing their metacognitive skills. Assessment of student learning as a result of adoption of these methodologies is also an important component of the research.

Research Interest

"Development and adoption of new methodologies in chemistry instruction that promote a shift from faculty-centered teaching to learner-centered teaching. The effective use of technology to enable learner-centered approaches in large classes Currently conducting collaborative research with Dr. Jouni Valisaari from the University of Jyvaskyla, Finland on the effectiveness of structured pre-lab and post-lab group discussion on student learning in a lab environment."