Factors Affecting Student Academic Success in Gateway ...

Factors Affecting Student Academic Success in Gateway Courses at Northern Arizona University

Russell Benford Julie Gess-Newsome Center for Science Teaching and Learning Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5697

May 24, 2006

Factors Affecting Student Academic Success in Gateway Courses at Northern Arizona University

Table of Contents Section Abstract Introduction

Predictors of Student Achievement in Introductory Business, Mathematics, and Science Courses

Predictors of Student Achievement in Business, Marketing, and Economics Predictors of Student Achievement in Mathematics Predictors of Student Achievement in Computer Science Predictors of Student Achievement in Physics Predictors of Student Achievement in Chemistry Predictors of Student Achievement in Biology Summary of Factors That Predict Student Success in Introductory Business, Mathematics, and Science Courses Interpreting Results of Predictive Studies in Business, Mathematics, and Science Education Methods Institutional Records and Public Data ABC and DFW Rates in Gateway Courses Characterizing ABC and DFW Students Student Survey

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10

11 13 15 18 20 21

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27 30 31 32 34 35

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Characterizing Students' Educational and Socioeconomic

Contexts

38

Characterizing Gateway Classrooms and Courses

39

Development of Predictive Model

40

Results

43

Course-Oriented ABC and DFW Statistics

44

ABC and DFW Rates in Gateway Courses

44

Teaching Styles Used in Gateway Courses

45

Student-Oriented ABC and DFW Statistics

47

Student Demographics

49

Student Perception of Course

59

Student Academic Habits

68

Effect of Class on Student

78

Student Perception of College Life and NAU

82

Predictors of Student Success

93

Discussion

99

Summary and Interpretation of Results

99

Conclusions and Recommendations

111

Student Recruitment

112

Student Preparation

114

Student & Faculty Diversity

115

Curriculum Design & Implementation

118

Identification & Intervention

120

Acknowledgements

123

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References

125

Appendix A: High Schools of Origin

140

Appendix B: Survey on Factors Contributing to Student Success

143

Appendix C: Reformed Teaching Observation Protocol

149

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Factors Affecting Student Academic Success in Gateway Courses at Northern Arizona University

Abstract

Students in gateway business, math, and science courses at Northern Arizona University receive non-passing grades (grades of D, F, and W) at high rates. To identify possible trends in demographic groups that receive DFWs and to investigate why students receive DFWs in these courses, a student survey was administered to 719 students in 7 gateway courses, and institutional data were collected on 23255 students enrolled in 15 gateway courses. Student achievement and socioeconomic data on high schools from which gateway students originated were also collected. Student and high school data were analyzed to elucidate differences between ABC and DFW students, and to determine if differences in DFW rates existed between genders and among ethnicities. To determine if instructional style of gateway courses affected DFW rates or patterns in the demographics of DFW distribution, an instrument was used to characterize instructional styles used in the 15 gateway courses. Resulting data were analyzed for trends in DFW rates, gender, and ethnicity. Data suggest that possible causes of DFWs are inadequate student recruitment standards, student academic underpreparedness, lack of student and faculty ethnic and cultural diversity and interaction, and ineffective and inequitable instructional techniques. Possible interventions are discussed.

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