The problem of retention and success for introductory physical science courses has been a continued problem for undergraduate science departments.  Nowhere has the problem been more an issue than in General Chemistry.  As this is often the 'gatekeeper' for many of the sciences it is often the make or break for someone choosing to major or to have a career in a science.  Over the years there have been many attempts to break this cycle but with very limited success.  The literature is full of studies but, the high drop rate after the first and second semesters of general chemistry still continues.  With the need to attract and keep science and engineering students we have attempted to track our incoming general chemistry students and try to identify factors that might be relevant  to undergraduate success in the physical sciences.  We have initiated some new and creative ways which included interviews, student focus groups, attitude surveys, online homework as well as diagnostic pre and post tests.  We will present some of our preliminary findings and results.

Factors to identity that enhance student learning, success, and retention in general chemistry in an inner city university

245th National Meeting (2013)

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