Gear Up Mathematics Conversations

1. Gear Up MathematicsConversations B. Blumberg N. Leveille F. Solomon April 29, 2006

2. Don’t Be a Statistic • Nationally, remedial mathematics courses are needed by 20% of first-time-in-college (FTIC) students • Locally (UHD & HCC), about 60% FTICs place into developmental mathematics courses Reading Writing Math Gear Up Mathmatics

3. Don’t Be a Statistic • UHD developmental courses • Beginning algebra (429/907*=47%) • Intermediate algebra (524/907=58%) • College Algebra or equivalent • Required for all degrees • Prerequisite for college level mathematics and science *FTIC cohort 2000-2003 Gear Up Mathmatics

4. Don’t Be a Statistic • Math 0300 Beginning Algebra • 249/429 (58%) passed first time (70+) • 42/429 (10%) passed with one repeat • 19/429 (4%) passed with two repeats • 10/429 (2%) passed with three repeats • 109/429 (25%) did not pass Gear Up Mathmatics

5. Don’t Be a Statistic • Placement scores determine the first course at college • Placement tests contain many of the same problems and objectives as Algebra I and Algebra II (60%) • Most problems contain basic arithmetic • Many of these are application problems Gear Up Mathmatics

6. Don’t Be a Statistic • Students do not understand the consequences of not preparing for placement tests • UHD students will soon need SAT scores • Open admissions institutions do not set a minimum standard, but may use the scores for placement Gear Up Mathmatics

7. Arithmetic Mastery All students need to know their arithmetic facts (+,-,X,/) to be successful in life as well as future classes • Shopping • Voting • Accuracy • Fluency in numeracy • Quantitative reasoning Gear Up Mathmatics

8. Arithmetic Mastery All students need to be able to calculate with facility to maximize their future potential • Tools to think with • Confidence to explore • Mathematics knowledge correlates with economic success Gear Up Mathmatics

9. Arithmetic Mastery An example of formative evaluation for integer addition: Zero Out • Open the door to calculations beyond naturals • Have fun in mathematics class • Make positive changes in student beliefs, attitudes, and emotions about school mathematics Gear Up Mathmatics

10. Arithmetic Mastery Figure 1. Introducing Zero Out Gear Up Mathmatics

11. Arithmetic Mastery Figure 2. Playing the Face-up Version of Zero Out Gear Up Mathmatics

12. Arithmetic Mastery Figure 3. A Playable Hand Gear Up Mathmatics

13. Math Survival Skills • Buy the textbook and other required materials • Attend all class sessions • Read the syllabus; know what is on it • Be aware of all exam dates • Keep up with your professor – do not fall behind the professor’s schedule Gear Up Mathmatics

14. Math Survival Skills • Know your professor’s name and office location • Use your professor’s office hours to ask questions • Do all the homework required for the course • Utilize the study-buddy system in every class • If you miss class, make up the work Gear Up Mathmatics

15. Math Survival Skills • Use all free tutoring and labs available • Review all errors on quizzes and exams and make corrections • Keep all work in an organized binder • Use all work to study for the Final • Attend any Final Exam Review sessions Gear Up Mathmatics

16. Contacts • Bonnie Blumberg nadlerb@uhd.edu • Nancy Leveille leveillen@uhd.edu http://cms.dt.uh.edu/Faculty/LeveilleN • Frankie Solomon solomonf@uhd.edu Gear Up Mathmatics

17. Thank You Thank You Gear Up Mathmatics