EVALUATING OF LOW PASS RATES IN GENERAL CHEMISTRY AT THE FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF AMAZON

Failing classes is one of the main causes students are held back in universities, which in turn has several academic, social and economic impacts. This study aims to identify factors associated with students flunking General Chemistry, as well as to propose institutional interventions that can remedy these setbacks. The methodology used was based on a conceptual model of nontraditional undergraduate students, evaluating student academic outlook and relating that with institutional data on subject pass rate. Results showed it was possible to correlate variables that influence pass rates in General Chemistry, highlighting the following: busy schedule, study method, high class load per semester, deficiencies in basic chemistry and math, and socioeconomic factors. Results in this work help identify challenges that can aid in developing strategies to eradicate or minimize failing in General Chemistry in higher education institutions in Brazil.