Identification of the Correlation Between Student Self-Efficacy And Final Course Percentage in a General Chemistry Course

Presenter Information

Ian Lalich, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Michelle Taylor, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Location

CSU North Ballroom

Start Date

25-4-2006 10:00 AM

End Date

25-4-2006 12:00 PM

Student's Major

Chemistry and Geology

Student's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Mentor's Name

Jeffrey Pribyl

Mentor's Department

Chemistry and Geology

Mentor's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Description

The focus of this study is to determine if a correlation exists between the level of student self-efficacy and student success in a semester-long general chemistry course. Students were asked to complete a survey at the beginning and at the end of their general chemistry (CHEM 201) course at Minnesota State University, Mankato. The level of student self-efficacy was measured using the College Academic Self Efficacy Scale (CASES) instrument and student success was determined using their final course percent score. A demographic survey, included with the instrument, was used to provide additional information to the researchers. Data analysis will be performed to allow for the correlation of self-efficacy levels and final course percents. It is anticipated that a positive correlation will be seen between a high level of student self-efficacy and a high final course percent score. The identification of a positive correlation between a high level of student self-efficacy and a high final course percent score could affect the formatting of the academic content of a course, as well as strategies for student help. Changes in these areas could then be formatted to increase student self-efficacy, which would increase overall course performance.