Joseph J. Foy, Ph.D. President | Benedictine University

Niina Ronkainen, a Professor in the Physical Sciences department, has recently published a book titled "Engaging Chemistry Students with Real-World Context: Volume 1." In this book, Ronkainen explores the challenges faced by both students and instructors when it comes to teaching and learning chemistry.

According to Ronkainen, students often struggle to connect abstract concepts in chemistry to their everyday lives. To address this issue, she emphasizes the importance of incorporating real-world examples into the curriculum. By doing so, students are more likely to become engaged and motivated to learn. Ronkainen believes that educators at all levels can benefit from the examples of real-world context provided in her book, as it offers valuable insights on how to effectively integrate such material into their courses.

In addition to her work on engaging chemistry students, Ronkainen has also delved into the realm of ethics in science education. She has integrated ethics assignments into her biochemistry courses, aligning them with current issues, scientific research discoveries, and technological advancements. By incorporating relevant contexts into assignments and instruction, Ronkainen has found that student engagement and motivation can be significantly improved.

The ethics assignment scenarios explored in Ronkainen's work cover a range of topics, including lead contamination in potable water, access to healthcare, informed consent, the opioid crisis, COVID-19 vaccine misinformation, falsification of research data, and life extension. Through these assignments, students are encouraged to critically examine their responsibilities, values, and behaviors in complex professional situations.

The publication of "Engaging Chemistry Students with Real-World Context: Volume 1" and Ronkainen's chapter on ethics assignments in the biochemistry course is a testament to her dedication to enhancing science education. By providing educators with practical strategies and examples, Ronkainen aims to empower them to create a more engaging and meaningful learning experience for their students.

For those interested in further exploring the concepts and ideas presented in Ronkainen's book, it is available for purchase online. The book has been edited by Daniel B. King from the Chemistry Department at Drexel University and Gail H. Webster from The POGIL Project. It is published by the American Chemical Society Division of Chemical Education.

Overall, Ronkainen's contributions to the field of science education are commendable. Through her research and publications, she continues to inspire educators to rethink their approach to teaching chemistry and to prioritize the integration of real-world examples and ethical considerations into their curricula.