The Evolution of the Freshman Engineering Experience to Increase Active Learning, Retention, and Diversity

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Tracy Jane Puccinelli, ME Fitzpatrick, GP Masters, JG Murphy

2016

Abstract-

This work in progress will describe the process of developing two new freshman engineering courses at the University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Engineering to increase active learning, retention, and diversity. Our Introduction to Engineering and Design course is currently undergoing significant changes due to the desire to emphasize active and cooperative learning and increase diversity. Moreover, with our new direct admission model, there is a need to provide incoming engineering freshmen with a supportive and informative environment. At this time, our engineering college is also facing substantial budget cuts to education, requiring partial departmental buy-in to participate in multidisciplinary freshman engineering courses. Given the current situation, budget constraints, and available resources, we seek to determine the best course of action to provide a supportive and active learning environment and increase retention in underrepresented racial/ethnic minorities and women of all ethnicities (URMs). We have analyzed retention data, and will survey engineering students (from the past three years, including those who left engineering) on their freshman engineering experiences. This data will provide information to aid in the development of our two new freshman engineering courses.