Knowledge and Skill Retention in First-Year Engineering

A new First-Year Engineering program was implemented in Fall 2021 at the University of Saskatchewan, featuring several unique features, such as modular, sequenced courses and competency-based assessment (CBA). The purpose of the work associated with this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of the new First-Year Engineering program, specifically the retention of knowledge and skills in each course. A series of academic quizzes called Cohort Assessments were created for the key subject areas covered by the program. Quiz results from the first two cohorts to complete the new first-year program were collected. Knowledge retention in each subject area and its relationship with course grades were analyzed statistically for each year. This work can guide future course and program refinement. In general, the modular courses and the CBA assessment in the new first-year program have been well received by students. The potential influences of the unique program features on student knowledge retention will be discussed.