Explore this brief to learn how to improve course completion rates in gateway courses and identify root causes.
1. Size the opportunity
Each year a significant number of credits are lost due to failing grades and student withdrawals from courses (DFWs). Typically 15%-30% of attempted credits are unsuccessfully completed due to DFWs with some courses reaching DFW rates as high as 60%-80%.
However, course completion rates can be misleading since just a few students failing to complete in low enrollment courses can dramatically impact rates. Institutions should look at courses that have the greatest impact such as high enrollment courses, general education courses, and pre-requisites to majors. Lost credits stem most frequently from lower division courses.
This resource is part of the Facilitate Student-Centered Course Redesign Roadmap. Access the Roadmap for stepwise guidance with additional tools and research.
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