What if the system needs fixing instead of the students? (BCCE 2026)

About this episode

The episode discusses the need to create supportive learning environments in chemistry education to help students thrive rather than just survive.

What if the biggest challenge in chemistry education isn’t helping students survive—but helping them thrive? In this final bonus episode of our BCCE Community Conversation series, Melissa talks with Leyte Winfield about creating learning environments where students feel like they belong. They discuss moving beyond “weed-out” culture, designing courses that maintain high standards while expanding opportunity, and why the future of chemistry depends on empowering talented students rather than simply filtering them out. It’s a fitting conclusion to a series all about rethinking how we teach and learn chemistry.

People in this episode

Hosts: Melissa, Jam

Guest: Leyte Winfield

Topics covered

• chemistry education
• learning environments
• weed-out culture
• empowering students
• course design

Keywords

• chemistry education
• student empowerment
• learning environments
• course design
• weed-out culture

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BCCE Community Conversation

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