Alchemist Workshops

What are Alchemist Workshops?

• Drop-in study sessions that are staffed by students with strong chemistry backgrounds who have received mentoring instruction through the Dean’s office.
• Alchemists work with students individually as time allows and they facilitate group collaboration.
• Working in groups is helpful -
  • It helps students to see that there is often more than one way to approach a problem.
  • It gives students a chance to verbalize their understanding of concepts to fellow students.
  • Explaining material to others often helps to deepen one’s own understanding.
• See the schedule below to determine when and where the workshops for your course meet.

Who are workshops for?

• Anyone currently taking a chemistry course listed in the schedule above.
• Individuals and groups are welcome, so encourage your classmates to attend with you.

How do I effectively use workshops?

• Drop in to a workshop any time while it is in session. When you enter the classroom, sign in, have a seat and an alchemist will assist you as soon as she or he is available.
• To make the most of your time in workshop, first try problems on your own and bring your questions to ask the alchemist.
• Bring your class notes and text book as these are helpful references for both you and the alchemist.
• Reread your class notes. If there was something during lecture that you did not understand, ask about it.
• Do not expect to be able to start and finish your homework assignments during a single workshop.
• Do not expect to get individual attention the entire time you are in workshop, other students may also have questions for the alchemists.
• Bring coursework or homework to work on while the alchemist is assisting other students.
• The alchemists are here to help you succeed, not to do your coursework for you. They will not do problems for you or just give you answers.
• Attend workshop with classmates so that you can share ideas and work together.