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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;
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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 Pros Cons • Could beef up intalg 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 And it appeared that it was mostly just fear holding us back.
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-wide • College buy-in • Educating advisors • Educating other departments • Marketing to students
Implementation Issues Departmental • Faculty buy-in for content and pedagogy • Materials • Classroom layout • Scheduling • Assessment
Implementation Issues Student • Student expectations • Technology • Group dynamics • Learning styles
Implementation Issues Instructor • Initial training • Technology • Pedagogy • Confidence
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 info Erin Wilding-Martinemartin@parkland.eduBrian Mercerbmercer@parkland.edu