Two Paths Through Developmental Mathematics?
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TWO PATHS THROUGH DEVELOPMENTAL MATHEMATICS?
The Parkland Redesign Adventure
Erin Wilding-Martin and Brian Mercer
Our Charge To investigate issues
related to the algebra sequence and: to determine what the
problems are; to determine the
characteristics of the populations who are affected by them, and who are not;
to propose remedies in the form of long and short term goals
We considered… State and national discussions about
students who are not bound for college algebra Can we provide a quality option that would
be more beneficial to their educational path?
Can we provide a quality option that would reduce time in developmental coursework?
So we weighed the pros and cons
Could beef up int alg for those headed to col alg without hurting others
Could add some really interesting topics to the gen ed track
Could free up time in the gen ed track for more critical thinking and problem solving
Fears about a second track that doesn’t look like intermediate algebra
Fears about “watering things down”
Fears about advising nightmares
Pros Cons
And it appeared that it was mostly just fear holding us back.
Flow Chart for the New Curriculum
College Algebra-Bound Track Intermediate algebra
Added exponentials and logarithms to increase algebraic rigor and pace of the course
Cover all topics more in-depth and with more rigor
Offer courses in halves so students can start over at midterm
Gen Ed Track (Mathematical Literacy)
Topics chosen to prepare students for General Education Mathematics and Statistics, and Life Algebra addressed in context, focus on
numeracy and functions Data analysis and modeling integrated
throughout Incorporate reading, writing, technology
Gen Ed Track (Mathematical Literacy)
Group-based problem-solving pedagogy Use an online homework system for more
skill practice outside of class Work on problem-solving, critical thinking,
and conceptual understanding in class Look at real data, explore patterns, create
models, solve problems, have fun
Implementation Issues
College buy-in Educating advisors Educating other departments Marketing to students
College-wide
Implementation Issues
Faculty buy-in for content and pedagogy
Materials Classroom layout Scheduling Assessment
Departmental
Implementation Issues
Student expectations Technology Group dynamics Learning styles
Student
Implementation Issues
Initial training Technology Pedagogy Confidence
Instructor
Timeline Investigation and department approval
- Spring 2012 Began class testing and finalized content
- Fall 2012 Continued class testing and PR tour
- Spring 2013 Full implementation in both tracks
- Fall 2013 Assessment and Revision ongoing
Contact infoErin [email protected]
Brian [email protected]