Awareness and Implementation of Evidence-Based Learning Strategies Among STEM Faculty

The incorporation of evidence-based practices into the classroom increases achievement and retention of students in STEM. However, the effectiveness of these practices depends on the degree to which faculty are knowledgeable about the strategies and implement the strategies in their teaching. This study investigates the familiarity, adoption, and perceived value of six evidence-based learning strategies (EBLSs): concrete examples, dual coding, elaboration, interleaving, retrieval practice, and spaced practice. A national survey was completed by 606 faculty from across the United States who teach various STEM classes in biology, chemistry, and physics. The results from the survey suggest that overall awareness of EBLSs was relatively low, with the exception of using concrete examples. However, faculty report moderately frequent implementation of several EBLSs into their classrooms and assignments. A majority of faculty report relatively high perceived value of the EBLSs, with the exception of interleaving. Results from the current work can inform professional development opportunities for faculty.