Northern Michigan University
Correlation Between Scores on the Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces Placement, Preparation, and Learning Test and General Chemistry Course Outcomes for Undergraduate Students at a Public Midsize Master's University
Abstract
dc:description.abstract<p>This study examined the problem of gateway courses in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), specifically, high-enrollment introductory chemistry courses with high rates of D, F, withdrawal, or incomplete grades. Previous research revealed a correlation between students’ prior mathematics knowledge and introductory chemistry course outcomes. Reports using the Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces Placement, Preparation, and Learning (ALEKS PPL) test were limited in number. This study conducted a non-experimental retrospective correlational analysis between undergraduate students’ ALEKS PPL test scores and introductory chemistry course grades. The study’s theoretical framework was grounded in prerequisite and placement testing theories. The major findings of the study were correlation values of <em>r</em><sub>s</sub> = .244 (<em>n</em> = 562, <em>p</em> < .001, two-tailed) and .233 (<em>n</em> = 317, <em>p</em> < .001, two-tailed) for General Chemistry I and II, respectively. These results indicated a weak relationship between ALEKS PPL scores and introductory chemistry course grades. The findings do not support using ALEKS PPL test scores as a prerequisite for general chemistry. Future research should explore alternative mathematics instruments and their predictive value for introductory chemistry.</p>
Degree
thesis:*- Name thesis:degree_name
- Education Specialist
- Level thesis:degree_level
- Education Specialist
- Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
- Education, Leadership and Public Service
- Year dc:date.available
- 2023
Author and committee
dc:creator, dc:contributor.*- Author dc:creator
-
- Keso, Crystal Kaye
- Contributors dc:contributor
-
- Derek Anderson, EdD
Subjects
dc:subject × 8Identifiers
dc:identifier.*- Repository record dc:identifier
- https://commons.nmu.edu/theses/772
- OAI identifier oai:identifier
- oai:commons.nmu.edu:theses-1813