Scant evidence exists that demonstrates students have meaningful learning experiences in the laboratory. There are also few reports of how students decide to proceed during moments of confusion or uncertainty in the laboratory. This study investigates how first-year general chemistry students' mindset shapes their learning, by examining students' beliefs about effort, ability and success in the undergraduate teaching laboratory. Students were sampled based on results from a published 4-item instrument used to characterize students' mindset in general. Students were subsequently observed in the laboratory and participated in semi-structured interviews during which they were asked to explain their experiences and decision-making processes in the laboratory. Preliminary findings regarding students' beliefs and responses will be reported.

Students’ ideas about the relationship of effort and ability to success in the undergraduate chemistry laboratory

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.