Race and ethnicity in the teaching of chemistry: a new graduate seminar.

TitleRace and ethnicity in the teaching of chemistry: a new graduate seminar.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1994
AuthorsMiddlecamp CH, Moore JW
JournalJournal of Chemical Education
Volume71
Pagination288-290
KeywordsChemistry, Culture, Diversity Institute Literature Review, Graduate school, Minorities, Undergraduate
SummaryThis article describes a highly successful graduate seminar which discussed race and ethnicity in chemistry instruction. The professors questioned the culture of science and explored what is included in traditional chemistry courses, how to incorporate multicultural considerations into chemistry teaching, effects of lab practices, and many other topics of interest to future teachers. Student feedback was positive and indicated that the course stimulated personal growth and critical thinking.
Extended SummaryThe culture of science has been criticized for its reflection of "the dominance of whites" in the larger society. The authors of this article developed this course in an effort to address the lack of discussion of race and ethnicity in chemistry teaching. The course was geared towards graduate students in chemistry as well as undergraduates in science education. Over a dozen students participated in the class regularly, although only five were enrolled for credit. The authors collaborated with a professor from the School of Business, Brenda Pfahler, who is an expert in teaching and learning styles.The reading list included many interesting publications, from "The Japanese and Western Science" (by M. Watanabe) to "The Education of a WASP" (by L. Stalvey). The students discussed many topics during the semester, including the following:1) What is "ethnicity"? Who defines the "reference point"?2) What counts as a book about racism? How do our perspectives affect our experiences and selection?3) How do you observe your own culture?4) Discussion of student ideas and reactions.5) Are our questions culturally biased? What is "true science"?6) Discussion of networking, resources, and student empowerment.7) Issues faced by students of color.8) Teaching and learning styles.9) Classroom behavior.10) Politics and power dynamics in science.
RecommendationsInvolve future and current faculty in discussions of race and ethnicity in science. Create courses and campus programs to bring together faculty and graduate students. It is important that there be a space for discussion of political and social issues in science, as well as dialogue about teaching styles and teaching skills. If your schedule allows, read the recommended literature for the course, which is listed in the article.