My interests in the area of chemical education center on the application of problem-based learning in undergraduate education, particularly in general chemistry. In problembased learning, complex, real world problems are used to introduce and develop concepts. As small groups of students work together to find solutions for these problems, they learn concepts in a meaningful context, rather than as abstractions. This setting also provides an opportunity for the development of higher-order thinking, communication and information-seeking skills, and encourages students to take an active part in their own learning. Traditionally, problem-based learning has been used in upper-division and graduate level classes, with mature, motivated learners. My work has focused on developing a hybrid model of problem-based learning that blends key elements of the technique into a setting structured to provide the greater degree of support required by novice learners in their first year of college.