Ian J. Rhile, Ph.D., professor and chair of chemistry and biochemistry at Albright College has been selected to receive an Improving Science Pedagogy Grant from the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC).
Rhile will use the grant for faculty training to increase the presence of active learning and high-structure science courses at Albright College – both of which have been shown to increase student learning and student success through positive shifts in grade distributions.
The grant will help to continue Albright chemistry and biochemistry faculty work that began in 2021 when several high structure changes were made to general and organic chemistry courses. These courses have seen grade improvements and persistence rates. Organic chemistry students have increased individual exam grades, average grades and attendance.
Founded in 1956, the CIC is an association of more than 700 nonprofit independent colleges and universities, state-based councils, and higher education affiliates that works to support college and university leadership, advance institutional excellence, and enhance public understanding of independent higher education’s contributions to society. The CIC grant is made possible by the W. M. Keck Foundation and is designed to support and revitalize undergraduate science education at CIC member institutions across the country.
Named a top national college by Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education, Albright College, Reading, Pa., (founded 1856) is home to dedicated faculty who believe that the best academic moments are when students feel inspired and ready to take action. The college’s distinctive co-major programs enable students to cross or combine different programs, without taking longer to graduate. Study alongside undergraduate students, adult learners or graduate students, and find your SPARK at Albright College.
