Improving Uniformity of Student Learning in Prerequisite Courses: The Uniform Prerequisite Learning (UPL) Method

Abstract

Frequently, students entering advanced marketing courses are inadequately prepared and, further, often enter these advanced courses with differing levels of understanding of prerequisite topics, inhibiting both learning and instruction in follow-up courses. This paper introduces a teaching innovation, called the Uniform Prerequisite Learning (UPL) method, which results in unusually high and uniform (student to student) levels of preparation for future classes. Student reactions to the method are very positive, reporting greater learning and retention of knowledge than previous classroom experiences. Initial indications are that the student confidence is well placed.