An array of tools is needed to support the diverse community college student population. Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC) had implemented numerous strategies in the 1990’s to support students in course success, degree completion, and transfer including: student use of instrumentation in Introductory Chemistry, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry courses (GCMS, NMR, IR); guided inquiry in lecture and lab; incorporating laboratory experiments relevant to multiple disciplines; grading based upon student achievement (no class curve); independent student research projects and student mentorship. More recently FVCC has seen a steep increase in the number of students entering into STEM disciplines with no prior science background. Over the past five years additional strategies have been added to assist this new type of student. Started as a pilot project to address a new 40 % fail rate in the Introduction to Chemistry course, Explorations in Chemistry was developed. This laboratory based course assumes no science background and is designed to bridge the gap for success the following semester in the Introduction to Chemistry course. With a pilot group of 12 students in 2012, the course is now in high demand with 140 students a year. Other engagement tactics include inviting students into undergraduate research after completion of the Introductory Chemistry course, a drop in science tutoring lab, and writing lab assistance for student laboratory reports.

Tool box approach for student success in chemistry

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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