The undergraduate years are a key time in the education of future professionals, especially, the first year college experience. Teaching strategies that motivate and engage students' participation improve the quality of learning and student wellbeing. Additionally, creating positive identification and affection within the college environment promotes students' resilience and reduces dropout rates. This study describes strategies to work with students the summer before their first year in college and beyond. These strategies address their needs and encourage them in the development of essential skills (cognitive and affective). These strategies include …(induction talks, remedial chemistry workshops before the start of semester, student research symposium, a peer-mentor system, amongst other). The activities are designed and implemented by students in the same major, which confers development, learning and motivation benefits to both groups of students. This report analyzes chemistry dropout rates and student performance at the University of Costa Rica. It highlights the importance of activities that engage and support individuals throughout their student career to face obstacles and challenges of college life. By the time of the presentation, the program will have completed its pilot test stage. Preliminary outcomes will be discussed as well as the assessment strategies.

Students 'participation and teaching strategies: Developing first-year undergraduate students' learning skills, motivation and positive affect

256th National Meeting (2018)

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