Impact of a spiral organic curriculum on student attrition and learning

CHED 101

Nathaniel P. Grove, grovenp@muohio.edu, James W. Hershberger, hershbjw@muohio.edu, and Stacey Lowery Bretz, bretzsl@muohio.edu. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056
At Miami University, the attrition rate in the year-long organic chemistry sequence for pre-medical majors typically ranges from 30-50%. To decrease attrition, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry developed an innovative, spiral curriculum. Unlike a traditional organic chemistry course that moves sequentially through the material, the spiral approach provides students with a broad, general overview of organic chemistry during the first semester, followed by exploration of important topics in more detail during the subsequent semester. A qualitative, case-study approach using interviews and reflective essays documented the experiences of 18 students as they progressed through this spiral curriculum. This poster describes the strengths and weaknesses of the spiral approach, its impact on student attrition, results from ACS exams, and suggestions to improve the model.
 

General Posters
7:30 PM-9:30 PM, Sunday, April 6, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Poster

Sci-Mix
8:00 PM-10:00 PM, Monday, April 7, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Sci-Mix

Division of Chemical Education

The 235th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, April 6-10, 2008