Taking it to the Students: The Effectiveness of Embedding Chemistry Drills into Residential College Study Sessions

It is well documented in the literature that students are entering higher education courses without the appropriate skills and assumed knowledge. At one regional university students are encouraged to support their understanding of the concepts and development of their skills by completing chemistry drills. These are analogous to drills in sport where repetition increases confidence, skill and ability. However, participation rates are low as many of the students have little or no experience in studying science and hence no understanding of the advantages of practice to gain confidence and mastery. Ineffectual study habits result in a loss of confidence and consequently reduce the motivation of students to engage with their course of study.