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The Chemical Educator
ISSN: 1430-4171 (electronic version)
Abstract Volume 24
(2019) pp 6-10
Getting Off to a Good Start in Organic Chemistry: First-Exam Scores Predict Final Grades
Nicole Hollabaugh*, Paula Nolibos, and Andrew Thomas
Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of North Georgia, Gainesville Campus, 3820 Mundy Mill Road, Oakwood, GA 30566, nicole.hollabaugh@ung.edu
Received June 13, 2018. Accepted November 9, 2018.
Published: 14 January 2019
Abstract. Over
the years, organic chemistry has developed a notorious reputation among science
majors as an incredibly difficult and intimidating course, and it is often a
stumbling block for pre-med students. Each semester, numerous Organic Chemistry
I (OCHEM I) students are stunned by their poor Exam 1 performance and then
inquire to their professor if they can still get an A, or if attaining a
passing grade in the class is still possible. Herein, we examine the
correlation between OCHEM I students’ Exam 1 scores and their final letter
grades. Our intention is to be able to more precisely advise them after the
first exam. Data (first-exam scores and final letter grades) from approximately
350 students were analyzed, and logistic regression was used to predict
probability of student success in OCHEM I. Defining success as receiving a
passing grade of A, B or C, Exam 1 scores were found to be a strong predictor
of student success in the course. For example, if a student scores one standard
deviation below the class average on Exam 1, that student’s chance of passing
the course is only 10%. Moreover, students who perform poorly on the first exam
rarely improve their grade substantially by the end of the course. Most
students (64%) earn final grades within one letter grade of their Exam 1
result. We also intend to use these findings at the outset of the course as
motivation for our students to study more effectively and to ask for help
sooner.
Key Words: In the Classroom; organic chemistry; testing/assessment; student counseling
(*) Corresponding author. (E-mail: nicole.hollabaugh@ung.edu)
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