Learning Scientific Reasoning Skills May Be Key to Retention in Science,Technology,Engineering,and Mathematics

Abstract

The United States produces too few Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) graduates to meet demand. We investigated scientific reasoning ability as a possible factor in STEM retention. To do this, we classified students in introductory biology courses at a large private university as either declared STEM or non-STEM majors and assessed their reasoning ability using the Lawson Classroom Test of Scientific Reasoning. We then obtained their declared majors 1 to 4 years later. We found that reasoning ability correlates with high-level performance and final course grades. In addition, results indicate that STEM majors have higher reasoning skills than non-STEM majors but not until after the freshman year. However, we show that reasoning ability does not predict retention or declaration of a STEM degree and suggests instead that increased reasoning skills are a product of learning. We suggest educational interventions that may plug the leaky pipeline in STEM education.