Student Self-Tracking for Success in the Classroom

Abstract

We describe a method, Student Self-Tracking, to improve success in the classroom. In the fall of 2016, students in Biology gateway courses completed an assessment form in the first week of class that included a description of expectations, concerns, outside commitments, motivations for doing well and a checklist of twenty-three study strategies they planned to use during the semester. After each exam they reexamined the checklist and explained why they did or did not do well on the exam and their plan of action in the future. The percentage of students who received a grade of > 70% increased on successive exams. The category that differed most among those who did and did not receive a grade > to 70% was the amount of time spent studying and preparing each day. Students felt the process helped them with study habits and strategies. Early intervention through the use of this instrument was effective.