>> MIE’s CCLI program has been instrumental in transforming
traditional “gatekeeper” courses into “gateway” courses. The
outcome is an increase in the passing rates in critical STEM
courses. Many courses and laboratory courses, such as
lower-division Physics and Engineering courses, have been modified to
incorporate active learning strategies. Other courses
“link” content across disciplines to increase understanding.
>> Other courses have undergone complete revisions.
- Modular Pre-Calculus. The course is divided into four
modules. Students not passing a module on the first attempt are
allowed to retake the module up to three times. The number of
students either not passing or withdrawing from the course has
decreased since its implementation.
- General Chemistry. This three-hour course now incorporates
two hour-long lectures per week with an additional weekly two hour
peer-led team learning (PLTL) workshop. The passing rate for this
course has increased from 55 percent to over 80 percent.
CCLI has also been involved in the creation of new programs. A
new baccalaureate program in Environmental Science was created during
Phase II of the MIE initiative to recruit more students into the
science disciplines. The program now has the fastest growing
enrollment in the College of Science.