Active learning increases student performance in science, engineering, and mathematics
Active learning increases student performance in science, engineering, and mathematics Scott Freeman, Sarah L. Eddy, Miles McDonough, Michelle K. Smith, Nnadozie Okoroafor, Hannah Jordt, and Mary Pat Wenderoth ...

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.

Change theory and theory of change: what's the difference anyway?
Daniel L. Reinholz; and Tessa C. Andrews
This essay describes the connections between a theory of change and change theory and provides examples of how change theory can inform a project's theory of change.

Benefit–Cost Analysis of Undergraduate Education Programs: An Example Analysis of the Freshman Research Initiative
Rebecca L. Walcott; Phaedra S. Corso; Stacia E. Rodenbusch; and Erin L. Dolan
The authors comprehensively describe how to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of an undergraduate education program, using a detailed real-life example to illustrate the process. Principal conclusion: the university's investment in Freshman Research Initiative generates a positive return for students in the form of increased future earning potential (p. 1).

Whether and How Money Matters in K-12 Education
Margaret L. Plecki; Tino A. Castańeda
The authors review the research on the allocation of resources to support improvement of student learning in public K-12 education, including policies, methodological issues, and availability of data.

Four frames for systemic change in STEM departments
× Four frames for systemic change in STEM departments Aimed specifically at change agents operating at the department level, this short article outlines four areas that change agents should focus on -- ...

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 ...

Exploring the dynamics of organizational learning: identifying the decision chains science and math faculty use to plan and teach undergraduate courses
Exploring the dynamics of organizational learning: identifying the decision chains science and math faculty use to plan and teach undergraduate courses Hora and Hunter. Describes organizational learning theory as ...

Curators and sojourners in learning networks: Practices for transformation
× Curators and sojourners in learning networks: Practices for transformation In this article Risien provides a framework for examining structures, roles and practices of networks, and particularly of roles ...

Misalignments: Challenges in Cultivating Science Faculty with Education Specialties in Your Department
Misalignments: Challenges in Cultivating Science Faculty with Education Specialties in Your Department This paper describes the role and potential contributions of science faculty with education specialties within ...