I retired in July 2011 after 41 years in academia and industry. I have 2 Masters, one in Polymer Chemistry and one in Environmental Policy. I also completed all course requirements for a PhD in Polluton Prevention.
I have taught chemistry at the college level at both the 4 year and community colleges. With regard to experience in teaching the younger students, I have tutored the children of my friends in high school chemistry and college chemistry as well as math at both these levels.
My experience as a professional engineer also included management of analytical laboratories during the first 20 years. During my career, I presented many papers on methods of chemical analysis from the conference level to the board room level of well known companies.
The role of the instructor is to guide rather than be the only source of information. The student must search out the information needed in their chemistry book to solve problems given the guidance of the teacher, that is, become familiar with the type of problem and the outline developed with instructor to obtain the answer. Through practice of learned skills, the student can then apply the basic approach to look at practical applications. The student also needs adequate time to do exercises to reinforce the learning experience with the instructor.
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