Indicators of Student Success in First Semester Organic Chemistry: Implications in STEM Education
Abstract
Predicting student success in organic chemistry can be difficult because of wide ranges in student abilities, study strategies, and work ethics. At many institutions, students are required to earn a C or better in Organic Chemistry I to continue on to Organic Chemistry II. Six years of data at a single institution has been analyzed through a variety of statistical methods. The results of this analysis point to a student's performance on the first exam of Organic Chemistry I as a strong indicator for successful progress into the second semester course. This roundtable will discuss the current literature and approaches in predicting success in STEM fields, report the various statistical methods used in the study, examine the specific factors that were evaluated, and consider other factors for future analysis. Finally, the roundtable will discuss potential changes to STEM course design and pedagogical approaches in light of the results and their implications.
Location
Room 2905
Recommended Citation
Bucholtz, Kevin and Goode, David, "Indicators of Student Success in First Semester Organic Chemistry: Implications in STEM Education" (2012). SoTL Commons Conference. 90.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/sotlcommons/SoTL/2012/90
Indicators of Student Success in First Semester Organic Chemistry: Implications in STEM Education
Room 2905
Predicting student success in organic chemistry can be difficult because of wide ranges in student abilities, study strategies, and work ethics. At many institutions, students are required to earn a C or better in Organic Chemistry I to continue on to Organic Chemistry II. Six years of data at a single institution has been analyzed through a variety of statistical methods. The results of this analysis point to a student's performance on the first exam of Organic Chemistry I as a strong indicator for successful progress into the second semester course. This roundtable will discuss the current literature and approaches in predicting success in STEM fields, report the various statistical methods used in the study, examine the specific factors that were evaluated, and consider other factors for future analysis. Finally, the roundtable will discuss potential changes to STEM course design and pedagogical approaches in light of the results and their implications.
