Special Episode - Equipping and Empowering Learners

Global challenges like climate change demand urgent action, and chemistry is at the center of these emerging solutions. However, graduates starting chemistry-based careers often leave the classroom unprepared to tackle complex global issues. In this podcast, we speak with Dr. Alison Flynn, Principal Investigator of the Flynn Research Group, about how her team is developing strategies to create more engaging and effective learning experiences for students, including the integration of systems thinking into the curriculum. We explore her educational journey, what inspired her to focus on chemistry education, how systems thinking can be applied in classrooms, her thoughts on AI as an emerging educational tool, and more. We also share insights from Dr. Peter Mahaffy on educational resources available to support instructors. Learn more: https://www.flynnresearchgroup.com/00:11 | Introduction01:23- Dr. Flynn's education background02:49| Challenges and highlights of researching chemistry education03:40| What is systems thinking06:24| How to integrate systems thinking into the classroom07:32| Comment from Peter Mahaffy on tips for educators07:50| Challenges in organic chemistry and how to succeed09:14| Redesigning the UOttawa curriculum11:10| Artificial Intelligence as a tool13:20| The future of chemistry education14:48| Conclusion and closing remarksSoundtrack by The Underground Drive. All rights reserved. Listen more:https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/the-underground-drive/1571062779https://open.spotify.com/artist/4sCJG8TMQyTZ9FDd1JjJmRJustin Nguyen (Producer), Sophia Guy (Host), Induja Arulchelvam (Writer), Kathleen Connolly (Social Media Producer)