Fig. 1

Model of the characteristics of departments that are high users of active learning. These STEM departments have motivated people who leverage opportunities to incorporate and sustain active learning in the introductory courses, and are knowledgeable about active learning. The departments also have cultures and structures (at the institution and department level) that support active learning use. These two elements, motivated people and cultures and structures, mutually reinforce each other and lead to high use of active learning in the introductory courses in the department. This high use then reinforces the existing cultures and structures and a positive feedback loop continues