GENERAL-CHEMISTRY AND THE BASIS FOR CHANGE

The general chemistry course is a valued component of higher education that serves many of its client groups. But students are cheated and teachers are frustrated by this Dark-Ages course masquerading as an introduction to the science of chemistry. Although the course cannot be changed suddenly to one that stimulates scientific learning, recognition of the Dark-Ages character of the course does pave the way for an alternative and reform. Some chemistry teachers want to help students find their own way to an understanding of the world that chemistry addresses. These teachers must look for alternatives to the general chemistry course that is now well entrenched in high schools, colleges, and universities. Such "dissident" teachers, in spite of their individualism, might find enough common ground to create acceptable alternatives to the current mainstream course. These teachers could gain strength and acceptance by a united effort probably beginning with a network that brings dissidents together. From such a beginning could come a constructive, cooperative spirit of change like that which produced CHEM Study. The existing general chemistry course could become honest and more successful, if a science alternative existed. There would be fewer of the futile struggles to improve the course if scientific understanding was set aside and technological applications were emphasized. The world is so affected by chemistry that much can be taught by focusing on the practice and the consequences of modern chemistry. Many teachers and many students would both enjoy and profit from courses that treat chemistry in the modern world - even if the scientific basis of the chemical ideas is not established.