PERC 2016 Abstract Detail Page
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| Abstract Title: | Using a parachute class to retain students in introductory physics classes |
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| Abstract: | Calc-based and non-Calc-based introductory physics service classes tend to be on the top 10 killer course list (high failure rate courses) at many colleges and universities. At University of New Mexico, with a minority-majority enrollment, physics faculty developed a parachute class to address this high failure rate and to improve student retention. The parachute class starts mid-semester. Students not doing well in Physics 1 can switch into the class and the original class is dropped from their records. The class has two goals: help students maintain their GPA to keep lottery scholarships and help them learns skills and knowledge needed to be successful on their next attempt at Physics 1. Although the class was successful in helping students maintain their GPA; it seemed to do little to reduce the overall failure rate. Students retaking physics 1 after the parachute class did no better than students who didn't take it. |
| Abstract Type: | Contributed Poster Presentation |
Author/Organizer Information | |
| Primary Contact: |
Jeff Saul Tiliadal STEM Education Consulting 12200 Academy Road NE 312 Albuquerque, NM 87111 Phone: 954-665-5373 |
Contributed Poster | |
| Contributed Poster: | Download the Contributed Poster |
