Laboratory grouping based on previous courses

In the human physiology course at Loyola University School of Dentistry, students (N = 761, second-year classes from 1971 to 1976) were divided into three laboratory groups according to prior experience with physiology courses and laboratories. To determine the effects of this grouping on academic performance, data were obtained on grades in the physiology course, National Board scores in physiology (combined with biochemistry from 1973 to 1976), predental GPA, and predental science GPA. Comparisons were made between the three groups using t-tests, and correlation coefficients were obtained for physiology grade and National Board score, predental GPA, and predental science GPA. The results indicated that there were no significant differences among the three groups in performance in the physiology course or on the National Board Examination. Significant correlations were found between course performance and the other three variables. The overall impression of the faculty and the students was that the grouping program has been successful in improving laboratory performance and participation in the conference sessions.