How to increase student persistence in STEM majors

Graham, M. J., Frederick, J., Byars-Winston, A., Hunter, A.-B., & Handelsman, J. (2013). Increasing Persistence of College Students in STEM. Science, 341(6153), 1455–1456. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1240487

In this paper, Graham et al. (2013) proposed an evidence-based framework (see Figure below) to inform efforts to increase student persistence in STEM majors. They argued that confidence and motivation are two important elements influencing student persistence in STEM majors. According to their framework, these two psychological constructs are determined by learning and professional identification. In the paper, Graham et al. (2013) highlighted a few successful STEM education programs and identified three interventions that are widely recognized for inspiring STEM students: (1) early research experiences (CUREs); (2) active learning in introductory courses; (3) membership in STEM learning communities. Based on the persistence framework, Graham et al. (2013) recommended a variety of interventions increase student persistence in STEM majors. 

Figure 1. The Persistence Framework. Adapted from Graham et al. (2013)