UG scholars publish ground-breaking book on teaching Chemistry

A group of female scholars of the University of Guyana (UG) has published a ground-breaking book on a multifaceted approach to teaching chemistry.
Titled “Post-secondary Chemistry Education in Developing Countries: Advancing Diversity in Pedagogy and Practice,” the book was officially launched on Friday at the Education Lecture Theatre (ELT) of UG’s Turkeyen Campus.
The publication was co-authored by three senior academics led by award-winning chemist and Head of the University’s Chemistry Department, Dr. Dawn Fox; Chemistry Lecturer and Former Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, and Chemistry Educator, Medeba Uzzi, and Education Methodology Specialist and Director of UG’s Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE), Dr. Jacqueline Murray.
The 220-page book was published by the internationally renowned Routledge Press under its research in STEM education imprint.
According to a statement from UG, the publishing of the book is viewed as a significant achievement in academic publishing as it advocates a multifaceted approach to holistically transform chemistry education within developing countries.
In her remarks, UG’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin, praised the collaborative efforts of the authors in bringing this important work to fruition.
“This publication dispels the myth that the University of Guyana does not contribute to research. It is a testament to our commitment to advancing academic discourse. I cannot say how proud I am of your achievement. You are truly going to change lives and the face of teaching of subjects in STEM with this work.” said Prof. Mohamed Martin.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that the book, which was published on March 25, 2024, “not only serves as an educational resource but also reflects our ongoing dedication to research-based teaching.” The VC further thanked the UG Press, though it did not publish the book, made all the necessary arrangements in Guyana for the excellent launch of the book.
Dr. Dawn Fox, one of the co-authors, shared that the inspiration for the book came from her experiences as both a student and a teacher, highlighting the importance of early engagement. She shared that the central message of the book, named the “3P approach” advocated diversity in pedagogy, programming (strategic extra and intra curricular activities), and people: embracing and supporting diversity in the students and teachers engaged in the teaching/learning experiences. Dr. Fox expressed gratitude to all the persons, including the authors’ immediate family, who have supported the project noting that without their contribution, publishing of the book would not have been a reality.
In her remarks, co-author Dr. Jacqueline Murray emphasised the interdisciplinary nature of the project, noting that adaptability and constructive criticism among the authors were vital to its success. “This book encourages a rethinking of traditional chemistry curriculum and the activities used in the teaching and learning of chemistry. The book promotes collaboration across disciplines and the creation of teaching strategies and activities which align themselves with students’ learning preferences. For example, collaborative research projects between finance and engineering students can enhance interdisciplinary learning.”
Dr. Murray explained that in the twenty-first century context, soft skills are desired traits sought after by employers and not just technical skills. “Our next step is to operationalise the contents of this book, ensuring that its principles are applied effectively in educational settings,” Dr. Murray added.
Ms. Uzzi noted the book is not only important for persons who are teaching post-secondary chemistry but the pedagogical diversity outlined within the book could transform any post-secondary classroom. She referenced the “3P approach” likening it to a buffet where it is advisable to sample one or two items rather than everything at once. This analogy encapsulates the book’s philosophy of gradual implementation of innovative pedagogical strategies. She further beckoned for education policy makers and administrators to recognise the importance of funding innovative STEM education for sustainable development.
The authors plan to publish results from the implementation of the “3P approach”, and invited education practitioners to collaborate.
Many of the persons who spoke including world renowned alumnus of UG’s Chemistry department, now senior researcher at Pfizer, Dr. Vidya Roopchand and Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Engagement Prof. Emannuel Cummings, expressed the view that the publication marks a significant step forward in enhancing chemistry education and promoting diversity in teaching practices across the region.
Dr. Roopchand pointed to the many renowned alumni who have emanated from the Chemistry department of UG. Prof. Cummings lauded the appearance of the book and noted that “everything” is chemistry and as such the application of the work to not only the sciences but to general educational pedagogy should be noted.
Copies of the book were presented to the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, UG Library and the Government Technical Institute (GTI). Additionally, a copy will be gifted to the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE).
The book is presently available at: Routledge, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Walmart.