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Differential Retention in Physics & Engineering Majors

Carolin Cardamone (Brown University)

Mechanics Education

Mon 10:45 - 12:15

RI Hall 108

Women and minorities who enter college initially expressing an interest in the physical sciences transfer out at higher rates than others. Many of those who transfer to other majors actually perform well in their introductory science courses, but find the atmosphere of their introductory courses unappealing or the course content uninspiring. However, some programs have been successful at attracting and retaining diverse populations of learners to science disciplines. In this talk, I will present longitudinal studies of the differential persistence of various groups in STEM disciplines, discuss some causal factors for student attrition and identify successful retention practices that can be implemented.