This study examined which teaching methods are most highly correlated with student progress on relevant course objectives in first- and second-year (lower-level) general education courses. We specifically sought to identify teaching methods that distinguish progress made by students taking a general education course from that made by students taking a course in their major. Our main focus was on IDEA learning objectives aligned with the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) Liberal Education and America's Promise (LEAP) Essential Learning Outcomes.