The purpose of this study was to investigate how the cost of course materials can act as a barrier to student success in the classroom creating inequities between those who can afford them and those who cannot. The study primarily took place at St. Mary’s College of Maryland with some data collection happening at other colleges in the state of Maryland. Data on resource pricing were collected on campus and within the bookstores. Attention was paid to whether these resources were considered required or recommended. Students completed surveys/questionnaires examining the relationship between ownership and cost of resources and perceptions of their impacts on learning. Staff also completed a survey/questionnaire that examined the degree to which having these recommended resources are necessary in succeeding in the class. The results of the study indicates whether inequities and/or perceived barriers are being created in the chemistry and/or biochemistry majors within schools based on the accessibility of the resources that are considered necessary to succeed in a course. The implications of this research can inform departments on how they can make resources more accessible to all students in order to lower barriers to success.

Barriers caused by physical manipulatives: Study investigating inequities caused by cost of materials in the field of chemistry

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.