Bridging courses: Good learning environments for engaging students?
Date
2006
Authors
Youl, David J.
Read, Justin Robert
George, Adrian V.
Schmid, Siegbert
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Conference paper
Citation
9th Pacific Rim First Year in Higher Education (FYHE) Conference: 'Engaging Students'/ Griffith University in conjunction with Queensland University of Technology, 12-14 July, 2006
Statement of Responsibility
Conference Name
Pacific Rim First Year in Higher Education Conference (9th : 2006 : Gold Coast, Queensland)
Abstract
Bridging courses designed to improve students’ experience and to develop knowledge required for
successful tertiary study are relatively widespread; however, little work has been done examining
their effectiveness. The current study focused on students who were undertaking a first year
chemistry unit of study at the University of Sydney designed specifically for students with little or
no prior knowledge of chemistry. Students were grouped according to their chemistry
backgrounds and it was established that those students who completed the bridging course
academically outperform those with no prior chemistry study. Both academic and non-academic
factors related to the bridging course, such as students’ levels of prior knowledge and their
confidence in their own learning, are considered.
School/Discipline
School of Chemistry and Physics : Physics and Mathematical Physics