Chemistry Seminar - From Research to Reality: Using Chemistry Education Research to Enhance Student Learning

Title: From Research to Reality: Using Chemistry Education Research to Enhance Student Learning

Speaker: Prof Ryan Sweeder, Lyman Briggs College, Michigan State University, United States

Abstract: How can we move chemistry education research from theory into meaningful classroom practice? This talk explores how chemistry simulations can be effectively used outside the classroom to introduce new topics, comparing the benefits and challenges of direct student interaction versus screencasts across a range of concepts. We’ll discuss best practices for incorporating simulations into instruction, highlighting how these tools can help students develop particle-level conceptual understanding and offering insights into how to successfully implement them in a class. We will then explore the concept of 3-Dimensional Learning (3DL) and how well-designed 3D assessment questions provide deeper insights into student thinking and support equitable learning outcomes. Through examples, we’ll explore why these assessments matter and how they can be used to positively reshape instructional practices.

Bio: Ryan Sweeder is a Professor of Chemistry and the Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Affairs in Lyman Briggs College at Michigan State University (MSU). His work focuses on improving undergraduate STEM education to enhance student learning and retention. A strong advocate for 3-Dimensional (3D) learning at the university level, Prof. Sweeder seeks to identify and mitigate systemic barriers that contribute to inequitable outcomes in introductory STEM courses. As a Chemistry Education Researcher, Prof. Sweeder explores curriculum innovations to support student success in general chemistry. His research includes integrating simulations into coursework, utilizing texting systems for enhanced learning, and analyzing the educational practices in highly viewed YouTube videos on general chemistry concepts. In his teaching, he co-developed a flipped classroom model rooted in 3D learning, where students engage with real-world phenomena through disciplinary core ideas, authentic science practices, and cross-cutting concepts. Additionally, as a member of the 3DL4US research team, he helped develop the 3D-Learning Observation Protocol and led professional development workshops for faculty on 3D learning principles. Beyond chemistry, Prof. Sweeder's broader STEM education efforts focus on equity and inclusion. Since 2020, he has been actively involved in the SEISMIC project, a collaboration among 10 large, research-intensive institutions aimed at promoting equity in introductory STEM courses. At MSU, he has contributed to developing equity reports that use institutional data to inform faculty and administrators about disparities and guide equitable policy or curriculum reforms. His work also includes examining the role of support structures, such as learning communities, in fostering student success and retention.