ERIC Number: EJ1059075
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: 6
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2368-4526
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Breaking down the Boundary between High School and University Chemistry
Cunningham, Natashia; Knorr, Kris; Lock, Pippa E.; Vajoczki, Susan L.
Collected Essays on Learning and Teaching, v6 p65-70 2013
This study examined some of the factors that influence students' transition from Ontario high school chemistry to university introductory chemistry. The study was a mixed-methods, multi-phase research study carried out by an undergraduate honours thesis student who had experienced some of these transition issues. Students' transition into chemistry was reported to be more difficult than their overall transition into university, including their academic transition; they thus appeared to experience a "transition within a transition." Students identified testing, curricular experience, and the amount of independent work as the principal areas of misalignment between their high school and university chemistry experiences. In exploring the use of support resources, students reported that there were sufficient resource opportunities but typically did not avail themselves of one-on-one interactions. Analysis of the data has led to recommendations for the instructional team for Introductory Chemistry at McMaster University.
Descriptors: Science Instruction, Secondary School Science, High Schools, College Science, Chemistry, Introductory Courses, Mixed Methods Research, Student Adjustment, Adjustment (to Environment), Testing, Curriculum, Independent Study, Academic Support Services, Foreign Countries, Interviews, Online Surveys, Student Experience, College Students
Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. 1280 Main Street West, Mills Library Room 504, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L6, Canada. Tel: 905-525-9140; Web site: http://www.stlhe.ca
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education; High Schools; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A