Jay Wackerly, associate professor of chemistry at Central College, is the lead author of an article titled “Teaching Abductive Reasoning for Use as a Problem-Solving Tool in Organic Chemistry and Beyond,” recently published in Frontiers in Education.
Collaborating with faculty from Augsburg University, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the US Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut, the research focuses on how instructors can effectively teach abductive reasoning to enhance problem-solving skills in organic chemistry and beyond.
The article suggests that teaching abductive reasoning for problem solving through the lens of diagnosis offers significant benefits to students in both their coursework and future careers. It proposes a hypothesis that developing diagnostic skills in the classroom could lead to improved student outcomes for students pursuing careers in science and medical fields. Wackerly and co-authors call for further educational research on this topic.
As Wackerly notes, allowing students into the thought processes of experts in a field can benefit their understanding.
“When instructors teach organic chemistry from the perspective of their experience and expertise as organic chemists, then opening this window for students into how they think and problem solve will benefit students.” Wackerly paraphrases from the article.
Wackerly earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Winona State University in 2003 and his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Illinois in 2008.
