Polymers are part of our lives; scientists dedicated to polymer science design new materials thinking about more eco-friendly methodologies and satisfying people's needs. In most universities, polymer science is taught by academics associated with the traditional chemistry departments (organic, analytical, physical, and inorganic chemistry). In…

Although the majority of the teaching faculty at U.S. universities is composed of people who are scientific experts, research has found that most scientists do not have information about effective teaching methods (DeHaan 2005). Traditional lecture-style college science teaching does not reflect knowledge about best teaching practices based upon…

Discusses the offering of a special one-credit course in teacher training for the teaching assistants of the chemistry department of the University of Idaho, involving the films used, micro-teaching assignments, and course evaluation questionnaires. (CC)

Discusses some of the cultural differences that lead to different traditions and styles of communication, considering word usage/nuances of the language, grammar, style/tone, Arabic tradition of emphasis, and Japanese communication style. An interdisciplinary course that pays extra attention to the needs of foreign graduate students is also…