Summarizes findings of 24 studies in which attempts were made to correlate achievement in college chemistry to many variables. A list of the most promising factors is provided. However, the author found no conclusive predictors in reviewing the research. (CP)

Methods for determining the radius of an atom are described. Unlike a previous article which approached the problem from an elementary perspective, this article examines a progression of increasingly sophisticated determinations. (CS)

Describes supplementary audio-visual lessons in inorganic chemistry designed to correct for the wide diversity in educational background by giving the poorly-prepared student additional help in mastering subject matter. In ranking various study aids for their effectiveness, 88 percent of the students ranked audio-visual tapes as most effective.…

Describes a reform effort for the undergraduate curriculum utilizing action-based research teams that developed, implemented, and assessed constructivist approaches to teaching undergraduate science content. Results indicate that the collaborative action-based research process was effective in contributing to the reform of undergraduate teaching.…

Discussed is the effectiveness of using analogies in chemistry instruction. Students' mathematics anxiety, spatial visualization skill, and proportional reasoning ability were found to be important aptitudes for determining chemistry achievement. The relationship between analogs and algorithms is described. (KR)

Discusses problem-solving strategies and the successful strategy used to solve stoichiometric problems in general college chemistry courses. Reports that rereading problems, recalling a related concept, and reasoning deductively/inductively are the most heavily used strategies among 13 categories. (YP)

Investigated is the value of preliminary high school experiences in physics and chemistry. Results indicate that the grades of students with more high school experience are no better than those of students with less experience and that less experienced students spend more time studying and take better advantage of tutors. (CW)

Investigated the relationships between (n=220) students' approaches to studying, prior knowledge, logical thinking, and gender and their performance in a nonmajors' college freshman chemistry course. Found that prior knowledge was the best predictor of achievement, followed by formal reasoning ability. (22 references) (Author/MKR)

The Examination where the Student Asks the Questions is a system-oriented teaching/evaluation strategy initially implemented in freshman chemistry which includes a prearranged oral examination whereby the course professor is examined by students using home-prepared, written questions. (11 references) (Author/MKR)

Reports on a project designed to develop an inquiry-based approach to curriculum and instruction in a general chemistry course. Reports that a major objective, met in various ways, was to develop a laboratory curriculum that meshes intimately with lecture. (Author/MM)