Automaticity of Mathematics
The automaticity of mathematics plays a role in student success in chemistry. Dr. Mamiya had been involved in a project to develop an instrument to evaluate the automaticity of a student's mathematics aptitude, Math-Up Skills Test (MUST), and the correlation to success in General Chemistry. The effectiveness of a mathematics review on improving the automaticity of the student's mathematics ability was evaluated, the result has been shown to have a positive impact on student success in General Chemistry. When compared to the effectiveness of a chemistry review, those using the chemistry review did not have a dramatic the impact to student success.
Role of Learning & Study Strategies, and Motivation and Attitudes on Student Learning
The evaluation of the role of student motivation, using instruments such as the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) and the Revised Approach to Studying Inventory (RASI), a shortened version of the Approach to Studying Inventory. How the student motivation relates to their Mind-Set (Growth vs Fixed) and the approach to learning (deep thinker vs surface learner), has been correlated. The student responses lead to a better understanding of the different demographic students. These understandings will lead to aiding in student successes
Role of Sense of Belonging and Impostor Syndrome have a Dramatic Effect on the Success of Students
Those students most impacted by sense of belonging and impostor syndrome are those students of underrepresented minorities, first-generation, and female students. Besides being placed in a stressful, isolated situation for the first time, these students are expected perform in classes for which many are not adequately prepared. Some have been exposed to untrue stereotypes, others have been given unrealistic expectations. Add in cultural and gender identity differences, it is no wonder that students feel a lack of belonging and wonder if they should be at the institution. Our research is looking at how to change these feelings in students, making them feel more welcomed and part of the institution, and the effect on success throughout their academic career.
