Active learning narrows achievement gaps for underrepresented students in undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and math
Elli J. Theobald; Mariah J. Hill; Elisa Tran; Sweta Agrawal; E. Nicole Arroyo; Shawn Behling; Nyasha Chambwe; Dianne Laboy Cintrón; Jacob D. Cooper; Gideon Dunster; Jared A. Grummer; Kelly Hennessey; Jennifer Hsiao; Nicole Iranon; Leonard Jones II; Hannah Jordt; Marlowe Keller; Melissa E. Lacey; Caitlin E. Littlefield; Alexander Lowe; Shannon Newman; Vera Okolo; Savannah Olroyd; Brandon R. Peecook; Sarah B. Pickett; David L. Slager; Itzue W. Caviedes-Solis; Kathryn E. Stanchak; Vasudha Sundaravardan; Camila Valdebenito; Claire R. Williams; Kaitlin Zinsli; and Scott Freeman
This study is a comprehensive meta-analysis of research on the influence of active and traditional learning approaches on STEM course outcomes (exam scores and course failure rates) for underrepresented students. Time-intensive active learning experiences contributed to reduced achievement gaps in exam scores and pass rates. Researchers concluded that deliberate active-learning course designs and inclusive teaching contribute to increasing equity in STEM. Although this study does not discuss cost-benefits, it affirms the value of investing in pedagogical enhancements to increase student retention and success. In this case, the benefits are continuous tuition revenue through student retention and the moral imperative of reducing equity gaps.

ACHIEVING SYSTEMIC CHANGE: A SOURCEBOOK FOR ADVANCING AND FUNDING UNDERGRADUATE STEM EDUCATION
Catherine L. Fry, Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U)
This sourcebook is intended as a useful resource for allthose who have a stake in creating STEM solutions forUS society. It addresses the rationale for investing insystemic change throughout higher education, identifiescritical areas for investment, and provides pointers to keyreports and current STEM education reform efforts.

Competency-based education: A study of four new models and their implications for bending the higher education cost curve
Donna M. Desrochers; Richard L. Staisloff
In this report the authors assess CBE programs at four institutions by considering business models, costs, etc. and what is required from institutions to 'get to breakeven'. The four institutions anticipate breaking even with their programs by the fifth year, and they project that by the sixth year these programs will be operating at half the cost of the traditional academic programs. The article describes how an evaluation of the competency- based education business model must include considerations regarding price, efficiency (academic delivery structure, staff ratios, and compensation), and scale (student recruitment, enrollment, and retention).

Improving Learning and Reducing Costs: Fifteen Years of Course Redesign
Carol A. Twigg

The Science Education Initiative model, outcomes, and lessons learned
The Science Education Initiative model, outcomes, and lessons learned Primarily an analysis of the SEI model and impacts in the physics department, there is an analysis of faculty workload and time issues in ...

The National Center for Academic Transformation
The National Center for Academic Transformation NCAT is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to the effective use of information technology to improve student learning outcomes and reduce the cost of ...

Transforming Institutions
Transforming Institutions This book brings together chapters from scholars in the 2011 and 2014 Transforming Institutions conferences. It provides an overview of the context and challenges in STEM higher ...