Beginning Algebra Enrollment Increasing
MAT 0993, remedial math, is equivalent to 9th grade algebra. Enrollment up 85% from 4 years ago.2004-2005 beginning algebra enrollment was 1,993 students.High schools’ math curriculum not doing its job.
Placement/Proficiency Exam4,525 students took the exam for the 2004-2005 school year.
2,181(48%) placed into beginning algebra.1,700 (38%) placed into intermediate algebra.512 (11%) placed into precalculus.132 (3%) placed into calculus.
Previous Format
Developmental Math Coordinator hired in 1996.Students met with instructor for 2 hours and in computer lab for 2 hours.Changed to lecture/workshop format.Improved success rate.
Previous Lecture/Workshop Format
Worked for several years to improve it.
All GTAs were trained.
Students were active learners in workshop.
Problems with Previous Format
Still had a high failure/withdrawal rate.
Growing enrollment caused:Shortage of classrooms.Shortage of qualified adjuncts.
Talking, rudeness, tardiness.
New Provost Means Changes
Math department skeptical.
Pilot for winter 2004 – 73 students.
Followed University of Alabama Emporium Model.
New Math Lab is a Go
Provost provided anything we needed.
Finished just in time for fall 2004 semester.
1,000 students – very hectic.
Beginning Algebra Data
Eight semesters of lecture/workshop.
Group final.Uniformly graded.
Four semesters in the Math Computer Lab.
Results SUCCESS IN MAT 0993 (Beginning Algebra) Lecture/Workshop vs Math Computer Lab
35.5% 33.1% 31.4%
64.6%
42.8%
21.9%
35.3%
68.6%
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
70.0%
80.0%
90.0%
100.0%
Satisfactory Unsatisfactory Withdrew Final Exam Mean
Lecture
MCL
Attendance DataMAT COMPUTER LAB - MAT 0993 - FALL 2005 Comparison of Attendance with Overall Grade
0.00
0.50
1.00
1.50
2.00
2.50
3.00
3.50
4.00
4.50
5.00
U U U C B A
No Final Less than 50% 50-69.5% 69.6-79.5% 79.6-89.5% 89.6-100%
Overall Grade
Ave
rag
e H
ou
rs o
f Att
end
ance
Per
Wee
k
Intermediate Algebra Data
Four semesters of lecture.Group final.Uniformly graded.
Two semesters in the Math Computer Lab.
Results SUCCESS IN MAT 0995 (Intermediate Algebra) Lecture/Workshop vs Math Computer Lab
31.3%26.2%
42.5%
60.9%
35.7% 35.2%29.0%
61.3%
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
70.0%
80.0%
90.0%
100.0%
Satisfactory Unsatisfactory Withdrew Final Exam Mean
Lecture
MCL
Marginal Students
In intermediate algebra, approximately 15% of the students were in the 60-70% range – just missed passing.In the future, we will target these students for early intervention.
Withdrawal RateLittle change for beginning algebra – many students not ready for college.
Psychologically.Financially.
Major improvement for intermediate algebra.
Most students have already succeeded in previous course.An “I can do!” attitude is present.
Results After 2 Years of Full Implementation
Students come when they are ready to work. No discipline problems. Students do somewhat better in the following course.Cost savings of about $35 per student.
Results
MCL gave us the resources to raise the basic math requirement for general education.
MAT 1000, Math in Today’s World, has been added to the curriculum.
Benefits of the New Lab
Multiple resources allow for variation in learning styles.Students more engaged in the math.Get help anytime by “putting up the cup.”Partially self-paced. Students can go as fast as they wish.
Benefits of the New Lab
Cheaper for students—$35 lab fee instead of $106.67 textbook.
Standardization of all sections, even off campus.
Improves students’ computer skills.
Benefits of the New LabMore convenient for students.Lab open 79 hours each week.After initial orientation, students come whenever they want, but are required to spend at least 5 hours per week in the lab.Can study from home computer.All WSU library computers, including 24- hour areas, have appropriate software.
Continually Trying to Improve
Changed from S/U to ABC/U to motivate students.Added a notebook requirement.Now require a 60% minimum final exam score to pass (50% for intermediate).
Hired a New Lecturer
Manages our extension site.Offers extra practice sessions with a “real teacher.”Attendance at one or more sessions: 68/1200.Will continue to offer this.
Student Response to the New LabOverall – very positive. All like the flexibility it offers. Those who are able to finish the course early love it.The weakest students complain they want a teacher, but don’t come to the extra sessions we offer. Older students with poor computer skills complain.
Reactions to the New Lab
Graduate students like the flexibility of their assignment.Undergraduate students enjoy helping students and at the same time, improving their own math skills.Full time faculty just pleased they don’t have to deal with it.
Things I Wish I’d Known…
YOUR PROGRAM MUST BE ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE. IT’S THE LAW.
Required two special computers, $10,000 each.Required training.
Things I Wish I’d Known…
STUDENTS HAVE SHORT ATTENTION SPANS.
Keep talking to a minimum at orientation.Give a Syllabus Quiz.Give a CourseCompass Quiz.Require an e-mail to the instructor.
Things I Wish I’d Known…
TECHNOLOGY SOMETIMES FAILS.
Expect computers to go down occasionally.Put it in your syllabus that they will go down.Have a plan.
No deadline extensions unless down for over 30 minutes.Have paper tests available.
Things I Wish I’d Known…
STUDENTS ONLY COME TO THE LAB WHEN THEY HAVE SOMETHING DUE.
Spread out the due dates, not just a little, a lot.Provide a row of chairs so students can sit while waiting.
Things I Wish I’d Known…SOME STUDENTS CHEAT.
Have testing procedure in place way ahead of time.Have a separate area or a roped off area for testing.Check picture ID and have students sign in.Be alert for cell phones.Provide and collect scrap paper.Be careful with the testing password.
Things I Wish I’d Known…
STUDENTS OBSESS OVER POINTS.
If you’re going to count attendance, have a reliable computer program in place first.Require an average attendance per week not an exact number of hours.Learn to say, “If you get all of your work done and learn the mathematics, the attendance points will take care of themselves.”
Things I Wish I’d Known…
MORE ABOUT STUDENT REGISTRATION.
Students could register without ever seeing anything about the required orientation.Student printout did not show when the required orientation was to be held.Make sure advisors are well-informed.Post flyers around campus.Send e-mail reminders to students.
Future PlansPlanned expansion—another 50 computers for fall 2006.
Allows for further growth in enrollment.MAT 1500, Finite Math, in fall 2006.Partial use of MCL for Math in Today’s World, Intermediate Algebra with Trig and Precalculus.
THANK YOU!
ANY QUESTIONS???
Recommended
