An Approach that Decreases Failure Rates in Introductory Courses

Written by: Maryellen Weimer, Ph.D.

This study begins with some pretty bleak facts. It lists other research documenting the failure rates for introductory courses in biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics, and physics. Some are as high as 85 percent; only two are less than 30 percent. “Failure has grave consequences. In addition to the emotional and financial toll that failing students bear, they may take longer to graduate, leave the STEM [science, technology, engineering and math] disciplines or drop out of school entirely.”

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This article appeared in the October 1, 2011 issue of The Teaching Professor.

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