Case Study: Florida State University reduces DFW rates and boosts A grades with Top Hat and Aktiv Chemistry

Florida State University reduces DFW rates by 22% with Top Hat

Florida State University faced a significant challenge with high DFW (D, F, or withdrawal) rates in its large General Chemistry courses. Too many students were withdrawing or failing, and Professor Stephanie Dillon sought a way to change how the material was taught to hold students accountable and provide better support. The university turned to the vendor Top Hat, along with its product Aktiv Chemistry, to implement a new solution.

Using Top Hat to flip the classroom with pre-recorded lectures and quizzes, and Aktiv Chemistry for in-class active learning and practice, the solution provided students with real-time, guided feedback. This approach from Top Hat led to dramatically improved results. The DFW rate dropped from 31% to 9.35%, and the number of students earning an 'A' grade improved by 23%.

Florida State University