Students’ & Faculty Members’ Attitudes Towards Learning and Teaching Reaction Mechanisms in Organic Chemistry

Organic Chemistry has typically been identified as a difficult course for many undergraduate students and has a notoriously high failure rate. The part of the subject dealing with reaction mechanisms is considered the most challenging area, and several papers have been published on how to facilitate students’ understanding of mechanisms. During Fall 2022 and Spring 2023, we surveyed 127 students, and interviewed 3 students and 5 faculty members about their opinions towards teaching and learning Organic Chemistry, especially reaction mechanisms. The students’ attitudes were surveyed through the Attitude towards the Subject of Chemistry Inventory (ASCIv2), and its relationship with grades was also investigated. The results show that most students have negative attitudes towards Organic Chemistry; however, those with more positive attitudes performed better in the course. Students mostly viewed Organic Chemistry as a course required for their major/degree or professional exams without knowing the actual applications of the subject in their respective fields. Professors were able to relate organic chemistry to other fields besides chemistry (Health Science) but found it difficult to give examples of where else reaction mechanisms would be used outside of Organic Chemistry. A suggestion for a change of Organic Chemistry course is discussed in the conclusion of this study.