What is PLTL?

The Workshop Chemistry Project was an exploration, development, and application of the concept of peer-led team learning in problem-solving Workshop in introductory chemistry courses.  A pilot project was first supported by the National Science Foundation, Division of Undergraduate Education, in 1991.  In 1995, the Workshop Chemistry Project was selected by NSF/DUE as one of five systemic initiatives to “change the way introductory chemistry is taught.”  In the period 1991-1998, the project grew from the initial explorations at the City College of New York to a national activity involving more than 50 faculty members from a diverse group of more than 30 colleges and universities.  In 1998-1999, approximately 2500 students were guided in Workshop courses by 300 peer leaders per term.  In Fall 1999, NSF chose the Workshop Project for a National Dissemination Grant to substantially broaden the chemistry participation and to extend the model to other SMET disciplines, including biology, physics and mathematics.  A central feature of the Workshop model is the close collaboration of students, faculty, and learning specialists.