Predicting Factors for a DFW in Chem 191
Location
CSU 255
Start Date
12-4-2022 1:30 PM
End Date
12-4-2022 2:30 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
This research was conducted to look at possible predictive factors for students receiving a D, F, or withdrawing (W) (DFW) from the Chem 191 course at Minnesota State University, Mankato. The course is considered a general education requirement for engineering majors. The DFW rate from looking at the last seven years of data shows that 22% of students who enrolled in the course received a D, F, or withdrew from the course. The factors looked at include, but are not limited to, gender, high school GPA, international vs. domestic students, students of color, age, and race. Statistics were run using logistic regression analysis to determine if there were any significant factors that could be seen as predictive factors. Being a student of color showed a 15% higher DFW rate than their peers. Due to this, tests were also done to look at the grades vs. the withdrawal rates for students of color and found that the withdrawal rate alone was 13.3% for students of color and 4.8% for students who identify as not being a student of color. First-generation students also showed a significant difference in DFW rate, having about a 12% higher DFW rate than those students who did not identify as first-generation college students. Seen also to have a higher DFW rate was students who identified as a freshman compared to those who identified as a sophomore, junior, or senior. Once these factors are determined, interventions can be set in place to help these students succeed in Chem 191.
Predicting Factors for a DFW in Chem 191
CSU 255
This research was conducted to look at possible predictive factors for students receiving a D, F, or withdrawing (W) (DFW) from the Chem 191 course at Minnesota State University, Mankato. The course is considered a general education requirement for engineering majors. The DFW rate from looking at the last seven years of data shows that 22% of students who enrolled in the course received a D, F, or withdrew from the course. The factors looked at include, but are not limited to, gender, high school GPA, international vs. domestic students, students of color, age, and race. Statistics were run using logistic regression analysis to determine if there were any significant factors that could be seen as predictive factors. Being a student of color showed a 15% higher DFW rate than their peers. Due to this, tests were also done to look at the grades vs. the withdrawal rates for students of color and found that the withdrawal rate alone was 13.3% for students of color and 4.8% for students who identify as not being a student of color. First-generation students also showed a significant difference in DFW rate, having about a 12% higher DFW rate than those students who did not identify as first-generation college students. Seen also to have a higher DFW rate was students who identified as a freshman compared to those who identified as a sophomore, junior, or senior. Once these factors are determined, interventions can be set in place to help these students succeed in Chem 191.
Recommended Citation
Flynn, Ashley. "Predicting Factors for a DFW in Chem 191." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 12, 2022.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2022/oral-session-04/1
