Implementing TQM in the classroom: removing fear

This paper recounts the continuing efforts of the Louisiana Tech University´s EET program to implement Deming´s (1986) 14 points in the classroom. In an effort “to remove fear from the workplace”, the faculty has implemented a policy called “A, B or retry” to remove the fear of failure from the student. The paper discusses the policy and its implementation, how it is presented to the students, measures of effectiveness, and the various drawbacks of the policy. The policy also has a supplemental effect of improving student accountability toward the actual learning of the material. This new level of accountability, along with the effect it has on “adopting a new philosophy” is discussed. Finally, the paper considers how an electronic engineering department can be restructured to better remove the fear from the process of education