Shodh Sari-An International Multidisciplinary Journal

Vol-04, Issue-01 (Jan-Mar 2025)

An International scholarly/ academic journal, peer-reviewed/ refereed journal, ISSN : 2959-1376

Developing Effective Instructional Strategies for Teaching Organic Chemistry Reaction Mechanisms

Kumar, Sandeep

Professor of Chemistry, and ‘by courtesy of Psychology’ School of Applied and Behavioral Sciences, NIILM University Kaithal India

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59231/SARI7800

Subject: Science Education / Organic Chemistry

Page No: 361–368

Received: Oct 02, 2024

Accepted: Nov 25, 2024

Published: Jan 01, 2025

Thematic Classification: Organic Chemistry Pedagogy, Reaction Mechanisms, Instructional Strategies, Chemical Education Research, Student Learning Outcomes, Science Teaching Methods.

Abstract

Organic chemistry is often perceived as one of the most challenging subjects in undergraduate science curricula, largely due to the complexity of reaction mechanisms. This paper explores instructional strategies designed to enhance students’ comprehension and retention of reaction mechanisms. By integrating active learning techniques, technology-enhanced tools, and cognitive science principles, the paper outlines evidence-based methods that promote deeper understanding and long-term retention of organic chemistry concepts. Recommendations for curriculum design and teaching practices are provided, supported by empirical studies and classroom implementations.

Keywords: active learning, organic chemistry, curriculum design, retention

Impact Statement

Chemistry education is spatio-visual based, especially organic chemistry is often perceived as one of the most challenging subjects in undergraduate science curricula, largely due to the complexity of reaction mechanisms. This study explores instructional strategies designed to enhance students’ comprehension and retention of reaction mechanisms. Integration of active learning techniques, technology-enhanced tools, and cognitive science principles,  not only enhance the retention but also strengthen the conceptual framework of chemical concepts. This study provide insights in chemical education to chemistry educators. 

About The Author

Dr Sandeep Kumar is working as Professor of Chemistry and ‘by courtesy of psychology’ NIILM University Kaithal Haryana, and have more than two decades experience in teaching, research, curriculum development, counselling and leadership. His areas of interest are chemical education, research, behavioural science, teacher education and practices. As resource person, he has conducted more than 225 training programs for the school and higher education teachers. He has been awarded with numerous prestigious National and International Awards. He has participated and presented research articles in more than 200 National and International conferences. He has been invited as keynote speaker, guest of honour, conference chair, and resources person in various National and International Conferences. He is associated with various National and International Organizations. 

Cite this Article

APA 7th Style: Kumar, S. (2025). Developing effective instructional strategies for teaching organic chemistry reaction mechanisms. Shodh Sari-An International Multidisciplinary Journal, 4(01), 361–368. https://doi.org/10.59231/SARI7800

Chicago 17th Style: Kumar, Sandeep. “Developing Effective Instructional Strategies for Teaching Organic Chemistry Reaction Mechanisms.” Shodh Sari-An International Multidisciplinary Journal 4, no. 1 (2025): 361–368. https://doi.org/10.59231/SARI7800.

MLA 9th Style: Kumar, Sandeep. “Developing Effective Instructional Strategies for Teaching Organic Chemistry Reaction Mechanisms.” Shodh Sari-An International Multidisciplinary Journal, vol. 4, no. 1, 2025, pp. 361-368, https://doi.org/10.59231/SARI7800.

Statements & Declarations

Review Method: This article underwent a double-blind peer-review process by two independent external experts in Organic Chemistry and Educational Psychology to ensure the pedagogical soundness of the strategies and the chemical accuracy of the reaction mechanisms discussed.

Competing Interests: The author (Sandeep Kumar) declares that there are no financial, personal, or professional conflicts of interest that could have inappropriately influenced the research findings or the instructional models presented in this study.

Funding: This research was conducted as part of the author’s academic and professional activities at the School of Applied and Behavioral Sciences, NIILM University. No specific external grants or commercial funding were received for this work.

Data Availability: The analysis is based on a synthesis of cognitive load theory and chemical education frameworks. All instructional models, visual aids, and theoretical benchmarks cited are available through institutional archives and professional academic databases.

License: Developing Effective Instructional Strategies for Teaching Organic Chemistry Reaction Mechanisms © 2025 by Sandeep Kumar is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. This work is published by the International Council for Education Research and Training (ICERT).

Ethics Approval: As this study is a theoretical review of instructional methodologies and does not involve direct experimentation on human participants or sensitive psychological data collection, it was deemed exempt from formal ethical review by the Institutional Research Committee.

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