Investigating the Efficacy of Self-Selected Weekly Study Groups for At-Risk Students in General Chemistry 1 (CHM2045): A Continuation Study

Sumner, Martina, Harris, Steven,  University of Florida, Dept. of Chemistry; Mastrogiovanni, Jason, University of Florida, Office of the Provost; Thomas, Aaron, University of Florida, UFIT; Bailey, Robert, University of Florida, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

University of Florida

Building upon a comprehensive four-semester trial of mentoring for at-risk students in General Chemistry 1 (CHM2045), this ongoing study delves into the effectiveness of weekly small study groups as an additional support mechanism. Students now have the opportunity to self-select into these groups, where they receive extra assistance, aided by a weekly optional worksheet provided by designated instructors.

This initiative, administered by the Academic Resources department in collaboration with select General Chemistry I instructors and volunteer undergraduate teaching assistants (UGTAs) from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Florida, aims to assess the likelihood of at-risk students opting into these study groups. Furthermore, it examines the necessary training protocols for UGTAs to ensure optimal support for participating students.

Incorporating predictive modeling for course success, which has been implemented over the past two semesters, this study analyzes students' predisposition to seek academic resources. By identifying this predisposition, the research seeks to elucidate the factors influencing self-selection into study groups, thereby offering a more nuanced understanding of their impact on overall course completion rates.

Oral presentation please. preferably on the Saturday.
Thank you