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Pathways in Math Literacy. Dave Sobecki Miami University Hamilton Brian Mercer Parkland College. We begin with a metaphor…. Online Dev Math. The scope of the problem: (National) • Over 60% of entering students require remedial classes • 70% of those NEVER COMPLETE DEV MATH
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Pathways in Math Literacy Dave Sobecki Miami University Hamilton Brian Mercer Parkland College
We begin with a metaphor… Online Dev Math
The scope of the problem: (National) • Over 60% of entering students require remedial classes • 70% of those NEVER COMPLETE DEV MATH • In an average year, about 4.5 million students begin college; 1.9 million will never even qualify for a college-level math course. (Carnegie Foundation)
Of those, how many have received credit for a college-level math course after 1 year? Actually, 3.54
The consequence: (Ohio)
100 students enroll in public colleges in Ohio. 49 of them enroll in two-year schools.
Clearly, people… WE HAVE A PROBLEM
Building square holes for square pegs: A case study at Parkland College
It has been joked… …that change in math happens one retirement at a time.
Developmental Algebra at Parkland: • Approximately 2/3 of incoming freshmen place into developmental math. • Approximately 3/4 of those students are on a non-STEM path. • Approximately 55% success at each of three levels of algebra.
Old Parkland College Developmental Algebra Sequence
A friend from Texas recently shared… …no man's life, liberty, or property are safe while the legislature is in session.
So what did we do? We formed yet another committee!
Background: • Taught a Beginning and Intermediate combo course for many years • 2003 pilot Intermediate Algebra/Intro to Statistics course • Conversations with administration at Parkland • Movement on a state and national level • How I got involved
What is Pathways? A new developmental math course for non-STEM students
New Parkland College Developmental Algebra Sequence
Goals? • Alternate but still challenging path • Math in context • Relevant • Critical thinking • Address needs of students • Accessible style for students • Sense of comfort for faculty
Setting Expectations: Daily Responsibilities: Attend class, attempt to see value in the mathematics we examine, know why you are here, show you care, and try your best.
Productive Struggle: • Real problems aren’t easy • Persistence will pay off • Take responsibility
This isn’t an algebra class! • Very few lectures • Active participation required • Reading, writing, and technology • Group work • All basic skills problems are online
Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Dirty Jokes? davesobecki@gmail.com bmercer@parkland.edu http://www.mhhe.com/sem/pathways/