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Attitude Counts: Self-Concept and Success in General Chemistry

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Scott E. Lewis , Janet L. Shaw and Judith O. Heitz

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA 30144

Gail H. Webster

Department of Chemistry, Guilford College, Greensboro, NC 27410

J. Chem. Educ., 2009, 86 (6), p 744

DOI: 10.1021/ed086p744

Publication Date (Web): June 1, 2009

Abstract

General chemistry is a required first step for students who wish to pursue a career in science or health professions. The course often has low rates of student success and as a result serves as a gateway limiting access to science fields. This study seeks to better understand factors that are related to student success in general chemistry by focusing on the affective domain, in this case students' self-concept, or self-evaluation of ability as it pertains to a specific field of study. First, a profile of students' self-concept in the general chemistry setting is created. Next, the relationship between self-concept and success in the course is investigated, including examining the role of self-concept after taking into account a cognitive measure (SAT scores). This study is unique in that evidence is found for the impact of self-concept after taking into account a cognitive measure. Finally, the effect of a semester-long, inquiry-oriented learning environment on students' self-concept is described. Suggested interventions to improve student self-concept are also discussed.

Keywords (Audience):

First-Year Undergraduate / General

Keywords (Domain):

Chemical Education Research

Keywords (Feature):

Chemical Education Research

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Constructivism

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This article has been cited by 1 ACS Journal articles (1 most recent appear below).

Refinement of a Chemistry Attitude Measure for College Students
Xiaoying Xu and Jennifer E. Lewis
Journal of Chemical Education2011 88 (5), 561-568
- Refinement of a Chemistry Attitude Measure for College Students
  Xiaoying Xu and Jennifer E. Lewis
  Journal of Chemical Education2011 88 (5), 561-568
  This work presents the evaluation and refinement of a chemistry attitude measure, Attitude toward the Subject of Chemistry Inventory (ASCI), for college students. The original 20-item and revised 8-item versions of ASCI (V1 and V2) were administered to ...
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