Material Detail

Freshman Science Success Class (NSCI 190A), Supplemental Instruction  

Project Abstract: The redesign project addresses the low completion rates in Pre-calculus Algebra and Preparatory Chemistry at CSULB. To improve completion rates in both courses and the overall retention rates among freshmen majoring in biology and chemistry, we formed learning communities (Freshman Scholars Learning Community, FSLC) by requiring selected first time freshman to enroll simultaneously in a cluster of chemistry and algebra courses including Algebra Supplemental Instruction, and Freshman Science Success Class. While these first-time freshmen joined other students in the large lectures for chemistry and mathematics, three cohorts, each with about 20 students, enrolled together in their own recitation and supplemental instruction sections.  Each FSLC met in a dedicated classroom where peer mentors provided tutoring and supplemental instruction on both courses and where study sessions were organized. Our findings indicate that participation in learning community was associated with better completion rates in both courses (68% of FSLC participants successfully completed both classes and 85% completed at least one class vs. 46% and 69% in the comparison group). 

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