Getting past the first year: Retaining engineering majors

Abstract

Peer Led Team Learning (PLTL) is a nationally recognized curriculum enhancement strategy adopted in various forms by over 150 universities and colleges across the United States. Consistent with the outcomes and the vision of ABET Engineering Criteria 2000 and the National Academy of Engineering Engineer 2020, PLTL prepares students to work in teams; apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering to solve problems; communicate effectively; engage in life-long learning; and develop leadership skills. Published PLTL program data have shown that using peer leaders in small group workshop settings boosts performance in critical first-year courses including core math, science and engineering courses. The PLTL model promotes the growth of critical workplace skills for students and peer leaders such as working in teams, listening, critical thinking and leadership. This paper will present the basics of the PLTL instructional model, including sample materials developed for engineering workshops. Consideration of the practicalities of the six critical components will be discussed: integration of the workshop component into the course structure, involvement of the teaching faculty, training and supervision of the peer leaders, creation of challenging materials, and provision of appropriate institutional resources.