Students enrolled in the General Chemistry laboratories at Mississippi State University have historically been able to self-pick their lab partners for the semester. However, strong patterns with this approach have been observed where certain demographics (gender, ethnicity) cluster together and form self-segregated groups. Some groups struggle to master the General Chemistry material and appear isolated and without peer support. Researchers at Mississippi State University are exploring the dynamics of lab partner interactions to evaluate factors that support peer interaction and the formation of external study groups to enhance learning in Chemistry. Students in the General Chemistry laboratories have been exposed to information describing study groups - their value in helping students' learn and the potential academic improvement that can occur when studying with partners.The General Chemistry laboratories enroll approximately 2000 students and run over 60 lab sections each semester. Lab sections have been randomly sorted into the following categories: (1) students self-pick their lab partner; (2) partners assigned using no external criteria; (3) partners assigned so that they would have the same General Chemistry lecture section; or (4) partners assigned using Math ACT scores as selection factors. Laboratory partner assignments are evaluated using observation and student surveys to assess working relationships, peer interaction and the development of external study partners. Academic determinants were assessed through lecture grades and selected laboratory grades to evaluate the formation and efficacy of peer interactions.

Lab partnerships and the development of study groups:  Creating partnerships to support learning outside the classroom

247th National Meeting (2014)

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