ERIC Number: EJ1116270
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Oct
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1756-1108
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
An Investigation into Student Perceptions towards Mathematics and Their Performance in First Year Chemistry: Introduction of Online Maths Skills Support
Johnston, Peter R.; Watters, Dianne J.; Brown, Christopher L.; Loughlin, Wendy A.
Chemistry Education Research and Practice, v17 n4 p1203-1214 Oct 2016
An online Maths Skills Site was developed as an integrated support programme for first year Chemistry students, the content of which, was based on an analysis of their high-school mathematical backgrounds. This study examined the students' perceptions of Maths, their patterns of usage of the Maths Skills Site and whether there was a relationship between usage of the site and performance in first year chemistry. A questionnaire and surveys were administered to obtain data on student perceptions, confidence and anxiety. Hit-count tracking was enabled for the Maths Skills Site items (notes, questions, answers, online multiple choice questions), to establish usage patterns for the cohort and individuals, over time and against topic (significant figures, algebra, etc.). Student perceptions changed over the semester. Increased confidence with chemistry and mathematics was observed, however, a significant proportion were still anxious when having to answers questions requiring calculations. Students who were already confident did not use the Maths Skills Site, whereas the students who did use the site displayed improved achievements in the credit grade category, as compared to non-users and employed a self-directed approach, tailoring their individual learning around topics important to them.
Descriptors: Chemistry, Student Attitudes, Online Courses, Mathematics Skills, College Freshmen, Prior Learning, Performance Based Assessment, Use Studies, Web Sites, Questionnaires, Anxiety, Self Concept Measures, Self Efficacy, Integrated Curriculum, Likert Scales, Followup Studies, Student Surveys, Foreign Countries
Royal Society of Chemistry. Thomas Graham House, Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 0WF, UK. Tel: +44-1223 420066; Fax: +44-1223 423623; e-mail: cerp@rsc.org; Web site: http://www.rsc.org/cerp
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A