The College of Engineering is increasing the number of graduates in physics, engineering, and mathematics by improving the retention rate of students. A special emphasis is being placed on retaining students through the freshman year of study. A three-pronged approach is being used. An integrated first year physics, engineering and mathematics (PEM) curriculum is proving effective in reducing the first year attrition rate of students majoring in these fields. The approach is having the greatest effect on the retention of first generation college attendees and underrepresented groups. Use of the Learning and Studies Strategy Inventory (LASSI) instrument coupled to a package of training modules is giving students an understanding of their individual learning strategies and how to adapt them to the challenging environment of PEM courses. Workshops for teaching teams complete the triad of approaches. The teaching teams consisting of one or two faculty members, a graduate teaching assistant, and an undergraduate peer teacher are receiving training in using collaborative learning in the classroom, team training, and behavior profiles training.
The goal of the focus on first-year retention is to increase the graduation rates in the PEM subjects by year five of the project by a minimum of ten percent.
