Improving Math Success: Learning Strategies, Accommodations, Prerequisites and Substitutions

1. Improving Math Success: Learning Strategies, Accommodations, Prerequisites and Substitutions AHEAD - 2017 7-21-17 Dr. Paul Nolting, Learning Specialist Hillsborough Community College, Tampa FL Pnolting@aol.com Copy right 2017 www.academicsuccess.com

2. Workshop Agenda • Research on success variables • Types of disabilities and problems affecting learning • National models and disability issues • How learning math is different - Group discussion • Processing deficits and effects on math learning – Stages of Memory • Research on integrating math study strategies into the classroom, labs, courses, workshops, ODS • Assessment of math study skills & test anxiety • Understanding and reducing test anxiety • Math study strategies for individuals & workshops

3. Workshop Agenda • Educational Accommodations Examples and Apps • Testing Accommodations – Examples • Individual College Math Success Plan- Example • Course Substitutions – States and Courses • Course Substitution Process • Collaboration with departments for math success • Questions

4. Variables Contributing to Student Academic Achievement (Bloom, 1976) Cognitive Entry Level Skill + IQ (Ability to Learn) 50% Placement Grades Math history Aptitude Learning speed TBI LD ADHD Self-concept Locus of Control 25%/ - Attitudes 41% Anxiety Study Habits PTSD Quality of Instruction 25% Learning styles 24/7 Web accesses Tutor training On line vs. classroom Emporium Model Math study skills – classroom and online Productive Persistence My Math Success Plan

5. Definitions of Math and Other Disabilities Acalculia – inability to read or write numbers in that individuals can not perform calculations or having impaired spatial organization Dyscalculia – failure to develop math (arithmetic) competences that is not due to a brain injury or mental impairment Dysalgebria – students with average to above average IQ can master calculations but can not master algebra (Nolting, 2000). Dyslexia – is not a math learning disability but may cause math learning problems due to misreading or miscopying numbers and letters. Dysgraphia – is not a math disability but may cause math learning problems due to poor hand writing and copying from the board.

6. National Math Designs, Models and Interventions • Contextualized Learning-Two courses together • Modularized & Emporium Model – Self paced • Co-curricular/paired classes/co-requisite- Two courses together: Math and study skills courses • Accelerated/Compressed-Twice as fast • Curriculum Reform for Pathways – Stat, Quant • Online/Hybrid – The highest class failure rate • Standard Classroom – Attention problems? • Which design is best for different disabilities? Workshops and tutoring in OSD are now needed more than ever for math success

7. How Learning Math is Different and Why It Pays Off • Curriculum progresses four times as fast. • Most deep learning is outside of class. • Math/science requires sequential learning • Students must demonstrate concepts • Math/science is a foreign language. • Math is like a sport, puzzle or music. • It is socially acceptable to fail math. • Online/modular courses require more independent learning • Let students discuss their math learning problems. • Discuss the concept, more math means more money you will make. Learning math requires special study strategies and habits – Let the students discuss attitudes towards math

8. Cognitive Processing Skills Affecting Math Learning Auditory Processing Processing Speed Visual-Spatial Thinking Skills Short-term Memory Long – Term Retrieval Working Memory - Major Long – term Memory - Major Fluid Reasoning – Most Major Handout

9. Stages of Memory Hand out • Sensory input is when an individual physically takes in the information. TBI, PTSD • Sensory register is when the mind neurologically accepts the information. TBI, PTSD • Short-term Memory is when the brain receives information and stores it for a brief time. TBI, LD? Forgetting = Information not input or registered.

10. Stages of Memory • Working Memory is like RAM in a computer that can send or recall information and is part of executive function. TBI, PTSD, LD? • Long-term memory is a storehouse of material that is retained for long periods of time. LD? • Abstract Reasoning uses recalled concepts to make new meaning and understanding without using language. TBI, LD? • Memory Output is recall learned facts and/or concepts. TBI, PTSD, LD? Forgetting = Information not Understood

11. Math Study Skills & Affective Characteristics Research • Readiness, Behavior and Foundational Mathematics Course Success (Li, Zelenka. 2013) JDE (Placement and Study Behaviors predict math success) – Carnegie Foundation • Student Success in Developmental Mathematics Courses (Zientek, L.R. et al, 2013)–Affective Characteristics – 41% • Growth Mind Set (Helen Hidle) http://www.growthmindsetmaths.com • National Math Summit – 2013,14, 15, 16 (NADE & AMATYC) -Student must become better independent learners • S

12. Success of Students Taking Pre-algebra and Life Skills Course SeparatelyODS Can Teach These Courses

13. Learning Problems Affecting Math Grades Incorrect course placement Mismatch of teaching styles and course design Lack of math study skills Math and test anxiety Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - a life-threatening event like military combat, natural disasters, terrorist incidents, serious accidents Learning Disability (LD) – neurological cognitive processing deficits in STM, WM, LTM or Fluid Reasoning (FR) Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)- STM, executive function, FR Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD) - STM, executive function attention/concentration problems/co-morbidity Not having a math success plan – Start plan now

14. Math Study Skills Content • How Learning Math is Different, Motivation and Assessing Math Study Skills • Time Management and Study Skills • Effective listener • Taking good math notes • Improving homework skills • Reading a text book or online • Managing Math Anxiety and Improving Test-taking Skills • How Disabilities Affect Math Learning • Student Math Success Plan

15. Math Study Skills Evaluation – IV • Web based program unlimited • Personalized, diagnostic and prescriptive • Make study skills suggestions • Computer print out makes Winning at Math chapter and page number suggestions • Chapter suggestions for My Math Success Plan student workbook for students with disabilities and Wounded Warriors • Handout Math study skill can also improve the success of students with disabilities

16. Math Study Skills Evaluation IV • Joe College, the overall result of your evaluation is a score of 61.A score of 79 and below means you need to improve your math study skills and this could be the main reason you may have had having difficulty. • You have a score of 53 in Study Effectively, which measures the understanding that studying for math, is different than other subjects. It also measures your effective use of study place(s), study schedules, study tools, and motivation. WAM reference chapters are 1, 4 and 9 • You have a score of 62 in Memory and Learning, which measures the understanding of learning styles, learning process, as well as developing a learning plan and memory strategies. WAM reference chapters are 2 and 5. • You have a score of 58 in Reading and Homework, which measures the understanding of the syllabus, along with developing reading and homework strategies to improve math learning. The WAM reference chapter is 7. • You have a score of 57 in Classroom Learning, which measures the ability to develop listening strategies, note-taking systems as well as the ability to ask questions. The WAM reference chapter is 6. .

17. Math Study Skills Evaluation - IV • You have a score of 61 in Test Anxiety and Test-Taking, which measures the understanding of the effects of test anxiety, how to reduce test anxiety, how to take tests and how to analyze test results. WAM chapters are 3 and 8. Question #1My habit is that I:     A. seldom study math every school day. Your response indicates that you may not understand that math has a sequential learning pattern. A sequential learning pattern means material learned one day is used the next day and the next day and so forth. That means putting off studying math will lead to poor math grades. You need to study and do your homework before each class. You need to read pp. 16-23 in Winning at Math. • Question #4My habit is that I:     C. almost always become anxious and forget important concepts during a math test. Your response indicates that you have symptoms of math anxiety and/or test anxiety. Math and test anxiety are learned responses, which can be unlearned. You need to learn how to control your anxiety by using relaxation techniques and positive self-statements during homework and tests. You need to read pp. 67-80 & pp in Winning at Math and Managing Test Anxiety DVD.

18. M Managing Test Anxiety: Causes & Solutions • Association of grades with worth. – learned • Poor math study skills. • Previous embarrassment from teacher, students, family (third grade). • Learning style does not match redesign. • Solutions – Relaxation techniques, positive cognitive statements & math study skills • Disability? Anxiety strikes all types of students

19. Tensing and Relaxing Technique Relax all your muscles. Tense your muscles. Pull up with your arms tight. Press down with you feet and legs. Hold for a few seconds. Relax. Repeat one more time if necessary.

20. Calm Yourself Right before the Test • When you get to the classroom and you want to avoid all the panicky talk going all around you, try the “Palming” technique. • Place your palms on your forehead. Think of a place that is very relaxing to you. Pretend you are there. Or, you can think about your memory “mental” cheat sheets. The other benefit is that the other students will think you have a headache and will leave you alone.

21. Listen Effectively Golden Triangle of Success Warming up for math class – Student task Use abbreviations When to take notes a. Writing on the board b. Summarizing c. This is a tricky problem d. Clicking more that twice–online learning Seven Steps to Note- taking Model the steps on the board Math glossary – put vocabulary words on tests Math vocabulary cards Reworking notes Students take notes and compare their notes Helping students ask questions Apps – in class and tutoring - Handout How to Improve Listening and Note-taking Skills

22. Math Note-taking System Three Column Method

23. Keywords Examples Explanation Natural Numbers 1,2,3,4,5,6,….. Counting numbers beginning with 1 Positive and negative counting numbers Integers …-3,-2,-1,0,1,2,3,… Rational numbers 2/3 , 3/8, -5/6, 8/1,… A quotient of 2 integers , π , 1.2673964... Irrational numbers Non –terminating decimals -2, 4/9, 5, , π , 2/3 Real Numbers Rationales + Irrationals

24. Ten Steps to Doing Online Homework • Review related textbook material. • Review appropriate notes. • Do homework neatly. • Must write down problem and every problem step. • Understand reasons for problem steps instead of using the click and go method. • For difficult problems use the resources provided by the software (videos /tutor line). • Finish by working a problem successfully. • Recall or write down important concepts. • Use apps & develop virtual note cards by using www.studystack.com. • Don’t get behind – you could get locked out. Learning from online homework is more difficult than text book homework

25. Ten Steps for Taking Classroom or Online Tests • Memory Data Dump • Preview Test • 2nd Memory Data Dump • Test Progress Schedule • Answer Easy Questions • Skip Difficult Questions • Review Skipped Questions • Guess at Remaining Questions • Review All of the Test • Use all the Test Time • Online tests- Can your review questions? “The first student done with the test may not be the smartest in the class. Often the smart students are the ones that take the entire time to make sure they do everything accurately. Be brave. Stay in the room and make sure you complete everything accurately.”

26. Six Types of Test-taking Errors • Misread Directions • Careless Errors • Concept Errors • Application Errors • Test Procedure Errors • Study Errors Teach Final Exam Perpetration This is why they invented the eraser! Use the eraser wisely. Sometimes it is better to scratch something out at first and then make sure the correction is right. Go back and erase, leaving the correct information. Sometimes when we are nervous, we may change a correct right answer..

27. Teaching /Handout Accommodations 1. Vocabulary lists 2. Formula sheets/cards 3. Develop mental cheat sheets 4. Three column note taking 5. Lectures with immediate practice to rehearse 6. Structured, step by step process for reading the textbook 7.Overhead on during class for individual reference use during lecture (post on website) 8. Apps - record, take pictures 9. Math Study Skills Evaluation and Winning at Math text 10. My Math Success Plan – student workbook Tutoring Phone record sequential steps or questions that the student and tutor have created Place same information on note cards Put information cues to music or rhythmic recitation Mental cheat sheets Construct tutoring session to include constant student verbal and/or visual feedback. Over and over Draw pictures for cueing Review and review Apps – recording, pictures and math problem solving Math & Disability Handbook Memory Bypasses/Education Accommodations

28. Math Testing Accommodations • Extended time • Private quiet test area • Formula sheet • Fact sheet • Key word list • Lecture notes • Clarification of test questions • Manipulatives • Scribe and white board • Pictures of problem steps • Apps?

29. Individual Math Success Plan Semester: Fall 2016 - Handout A. Student Information: Name: Paul College, Sophomore Disability: LD/ADHD B. Services: Tutoring thee times a week 1 hr-, Word processing training with a reading program, meet with DSS counselor C. Courses: Beginning Algebra, History, English II, Biology :

30. Individual Math Success Plan D. Math Study Strategies: Use note-taking system , color code notes, develop a math glossary, use online note-taking system, learn relaxation techniques, use online test- taking system, analyze test results, use http://www.wolframalpha.com/ to check my homework E. Educational/Testing Accommodations: Use phone apps to record parts of lectures/difficult tutored problems/time management , extended test time, private test room, calculator, enlarged tests F:Disability Information: Strengths- language skills, short-term memory, long-term memory and motivation. Weaknesses – visual processing skills, visual memory, reading and math study skills G. Semester Goals: 3.0 GPA, B in math, improve math study skills, attend thee tutor sessions a week, use educational and testing accommodations, see my math instructor every two weeks.

31. Alternative Math Course Sequence • Elementary Algebra Statistics • Elementary Algebra Liberal Arts Math • Elementary Algebra Topics in Math

32. Significant CHC Factors & Clinical Clusters for Course Substitution Working Memory Not Enough RAM Long-Term Memory Not Enough Facts Abstract Reasoning Not Enough Logic TBI, MTBI and PTSD – CHC and Clinical Clusters Can use research in Math and Disabilities Handbook (Nolting, 2012) to support accommodations and course substitutions

33. Introduction to Computers Accounting I Macro-economics Philosophy Earth and Space Science Environmental Science Business math Astronomy Oceanography Logic/Critical Thinking Physical Science Course Substitutions

34. Office of Civil Rights Cases • OCR cases Course substitution – when to apply for sub – repeating math course – San Antonio College, CA - RCLD – 3 areas Experts need to make decisions – Boston University, MA Ignored state rule waiver – Manatee Community College, FL • Sample student cases • Do you see patterns? What are they?

35. Solution: Success Strategies • Help Students Improve Their Math Study Skills • Provide Relevant & Appropriate Tutor Training • Help Students Understanding How Their Disability Affect Math Learning • Provide Appropriate Accommodations • Develop Student Math Success Plans • Provide Appropriate Course Substitutions

36. Web Resources • Math Success Blog http://www.academicsuccessblog.com • Math study Skills Evaluation: MSSE/fourth www.academicsuccess.com/academ/MSKevalIV_6thed • Online Math Study Skills and Support Web site for classroom use http://www.eMathReady.com • Additional research on math study skills by Dr. Paul Nolting and others http://www.academicsuccess.com My Math Success Plan (Nolting, 2013) which is a student workbook demonstrating how disabilities affect math learning and teaches math study skills (eBook or print).

37. Contact Us for Follow-up Conversations pnolting@aol.com 941-951-8160 www.academicsuccess.com