Abstract
The end-of-first year attitudes towards chemistry, the degree to which course expectations matched realisations, and examination scores were available for 110 Belgian freshman chemistry majors. Four years later, data of subsequent “careers” enabled the students (Ss) to be classified in four groups: those who continued as chemistry majors throughout their university studies; those who changed their major study but stayed at university; those who left university for non-university higher education; and those who ceased their studies.
Using discriminant analysis it was possible to predict approximately 70% of those destined to form Group 1. The prediction of those in the other groups became progressively weaker. The difference between groups is discussed in terms of the discriminating variables. Measures of the attitudes of the students towards chemistry four years later revealed that these later feelings could not be predicted on the basis of their feelings at the end of their first year of studies.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Ausubel, D. P. (1978). Educational Psychology: A Cognitive View. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston.
Bolton, B. and Adderley, K. J. (1978). “Use of case studies to support an electrical engineering laboratory course,” Proceedings of the Institute of Electrical Engineers, Vol. 125 (3): 247–250.
Boud, D. J., Dunn, J. G., Kennedy, T. and Walker, M. G. (1978). Laboratory Teaching in Tertiary Science. A Review of Some Recent Developments. Sydney, Australia: H. E. R. D. S. A.
Cronbach, L. J. and Snow, R. E. (1977). Aptitudes and Instructional Methods. New York: Irvington.
Devenport, D., Lazonby, J. N and Waddington, D. J. (1979). “Attitudes to practicals,” Education in Chemistry 16(6): 188–190.
Frazer, M. J., Palmer, C. R. and Sleet, R. J. (1976). “Aims of first degree courses: student opinion,” Education in Chemistry, 13 (2): 44, 45, 48.
Johnstone, A. H. and Wham, A. J. B. (1979). “A model for undergraduate practical work,” Education in Chemistry 16 (1): 16–17.
Johnstone, A. H. and Wham, A. J. B. (1981). “Cut the load,” Conference Proceedings: Sixth International Conference on Chemical Education: 176.
Neerinck, D. and Palmer, C. R. (1979). “Aspirations and attitudes in chemistry,” Higher Education 8: 69–87.
Neerinck, D. and Palmer, C. R. (1981). “Students who study chemistry: some affective aspects of undergraduates,” Higher Education 10: 37–54.
Ormerod, M. B. and Duckworth, D. (1975). Pupils' Attitudes to Science. Berks: N.F.E.R.
Seddon, G. M. (1974). “A comparison of three different measures for predicting achievement in chemistry in the age range 15 to 18-plus,” Research in Education 12: 63–70.
Vernon, M. D. (1973). Human Motivation. Cambridge University Press.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Neerinck, D., Palmer, C.R. Chemistry degree curricula — undergraduate feelings. High Educ 12, 349–358 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00154429
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00154429