At London Metropolitan University in the Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, we have been focused on enhancing our teaching and learning through the innovative use of LearnSci's Smart Worksheets and LabSims. Our work has demonstrated significant positive outcomes, particularly in our second-year modules, including analytical, inorganic, and physical chemistry.   

Since winning the LearnSci Teaching Innovation Award in 2021, we have continued to implement and refine our use of these digital tools, introducing more Smart Worksheets and LabSims across the modules. A key focus of our project has been to address the awarding gap, which is the difference in attainment between black and ethnic minority students and white students. We're very proud to report that the awarding gap in our LearnSci Smart Worksheet-supported modules has consistently remained below 10%, a significant improvement compared to the university average. We believe that this success is directly attributable to the introduction of the LearnSci resources, which have helped in levelling the playing field. 

This is especially important as our university has a diverse student body, with a widening participation agenda. A large proportion (70%) of our students are from ethnic minority groups, and we have an equal mix of home and international students. Additionally, we have a significant number of mature students – around 70% - who may be returning to education after a break.

We've also observed a substantial improvement in student performance. In our quantitative analysis module, for example, the average mark for the Smart Worksheet has increased from below 50% to a sustainable average of over 75%. Pass rates in these modules have also risen to above 90%. To achieve these results, we've actively tweaked the worksheets based on student feedback, clarifying questions and providing better guidance on how to input answers, especially concerning standard forms. We’ve also introduced LabSims as pre-labs, to support and develop student confidence before performing certain techniques.

We recognise that student feedback is invaluable, so we’ve used student input to drive changes and improvements in our modules. For instance, we initially found that using Smart Worksheets for summative assessments caused stress as students hadn’t used a Smart Worksheet before. So, we introduced them in the first year to familiarise students with the technology, and increased the time allowed for assessments. We also incorporated written calculations for supplementary marks, acknowledging that students sometimes have the correct methodology but struggle with inputting the final answer.   

What we’re aiming to achieve now is to improve students’ employability skills too. To further enhance student engagement and develop key employability skills, we've introduced an interactive escape room practical to complement LearnSci’s unknown compounds Smart Worksheet. This approach aims to improve students' teamwork and problem-solving skills, while reinforcing their understanding of spectroscopic methods.   

We’ve also partnered with an industrial partner, Noclor, to provide students with opportunities to develop employability skills, including CV writing, application writing, and interview preparation. We have seen very positive results, for example in increasing our graduate outcome score for BSc Chemistry to 89% (three-year average).

With funding from the RSC, we're continuing our partnership with LearnSci, with a particular focus on using digital worksheets to support mature student learners. Alongside the Education for Social Justice and Careers Education Frameworks, the resources from LearnSci and working with industrial partners, we’re ensuring that students are well-prepared for both academic and professional success.