12. Breaking Down the Boundary Between High School and University Chemistry

Abstract

This study examined some of the factors that influence students’ transition from Ontario high school chemistry to university introductory chemistry. The study was a mixed-methods, multi-phase research study carried out by an undergraduate honours thesis student who had experienced some of these transition issues. Students’ transition into chemistry was reported to be more difficult than their overall transition into university, including their academic transition; they thus appeared to experience a “transition within a transition.” Students identified testing, curricular experience, and the amount of independent work as the principal areas of misalignment between their high school and university chemistry experiences. In exploring the use of support resources, students reported that there were sufficient resource opportunities but typically did not avail themselves of one-on-one interactions. Analysis of the data has led to recommendations for the instructional team for Introductory Chemistry at McMaster University.