PERC 2011 Abstract Detail Page
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| Abstract Title: | Predictors for Success in calculus-based Introductory Physics Course |
|---|---|
| Abstract: | Calculus-based introductory physics serves as a gatekeeper course for physics and engineering majors. Unfortunately, there are always students who fail or receive poor grades. It would be helpful for advisers to identify predictors for success in the course so they could point at-risk students to supporting resources (e.g. tutoring) and/or preparatory courses. To better understand these predictors, a study was conducted with 273 undergraduate students enrolled in a calculus based physics course at a large Midwestern University. Variables examined were: homework, attendance, lab performance, and score on the first exam. The study further investigated whether a student's major or gender was correlated to his/her academic success. Results show that average exam score (which contributes 59% towards the final grade) is highly correlated with lab score, homework average, and attendance (measured by four random checks). Additionally, the analysis indicates that neither the student's major nor gender influence his/her average exam score. |
| Abstract Type: | Contributed Poster |
Author/Organizer Information | |
| Primary Contact: |
Deepika Menon University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 223 Physics Building University of Missouri Columbia, MO 65211 Phone: 573-529-4707 |
| Co-Author(s) and Co-Presenter(s) |
Dr. Karen King Assistant Teaching Professor Department of Physics University of Missouri, Columbia, MO |
