In this paper we present results
relating undergraduate student
retention in science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics
(STEM) majors to the use of Peer
Instruction (PI) in an introductory
physics course at a highly selective
research institution. We compare
the percentages of students who
switch out of a STEM major after
taking a physics course taught
using traditional lectures only or
one taught using PI, finding that
nearly twice the percentage of
students switch after the lecturebased
course. By examining these
results in light of the literature on
STEM retention, we propose that
providing opportunities for students
to think, respond, and interact in
class may have a substantial impact
on the retention of students in STEM
disciplines