Chemistry is often considered a gateway course for most STEM career paths. Unfortunately, the number of students passing general chemistry and organic chemistry are often lower than ideal, with approximately 30-35% of students failing or dropping out of these courses. One possible way to increase student retention is to target student study habits. This study explores advice students wish they could give themselves if they could go back in time within that course. This study was conducted using 614 students ranging from non-majors’ introductory chemistry through second semester organic chemistry. Data were collected using the open-ended questions 1) What would you recommend doing differently in this chemistry course? 2) At what point in time do you think you would have been open to hearing your own advice? Responses were imported and coded using grounded theory and the constant comparative method. Student responses were analyzed to identify course specific advice as well as more generic suggestions. These suggestions along with the most prevalent suggestion for when these would be best received are being used to develop study habit specific resources that can be distributed to students throughout the semester. Common themes and timing suggestions will be presented.

If only I had known: Advice from past chemistry students to future chemistry students

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.