THIRD ASSESSMENT CYCLEGEOLOGY DEPARTMENT:MATHEMATIC COURSES

FERNANDO GILBES SANTAELLA

ASSESSMENT COORDINATOR

UPRM-DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY

fgilbes@uprm.edu

Objectives of this Assessment

It was focused on the mathematics learning of the Geology students.

The collected data was used to evaluate the performance and attitude of our students in the mathematics courses.

This will provide the required information for improving the curriculum.

This is part of the overall process that we have started to evaluate how the curriculum is matching with the Geology student profile.

Justification of this Assessment

Every undergraduate student in Geology has to take four courses in mathematics; they are: Mate 3171 (Pre-Calculus I), Mate 3172 (Pre-Calculus II), Mate 3031 (Calculus I), and Mate 3032 (Calculus II).

However, it is well known that our students have serious problems with these courses.

In many cases they have to repeat the mathematics several times, and some of them take longer to graduate because to these courses.

Justification of this Assessment

It is not clear the reasons for this common problem; but some possibilities include: a weak background from high school, lack of motivation, structure of the courses, or a combination of these several factors.

In order to modify our curriculum and help our students with the mathematics it is very important to identify the source of the problems.

Assessed Population

A questionnaire and a test were submitted to Geology undergraduate students at different levels of studies, from freshmen to seniors. (Around 25% of the entire population.)

Professors were also consulted in order to compare with students results. (Around 90% of the entire faculty)

Background knowledge of mathematics in the students entering the Geology Department

Pre-Intervention:

These data were gathered in collaboration with the “Oficina de Investigación Institucional y Planificación (OIIP)”.

College Board Results for Geology Students

College Board Results by Faculty

Current status of the Geology students in the mathematics courses

Pre-Intervention:

Per cent (%) of students that have

repeated Math coursesOnce Twice Total

Pre-Calculus I 18 9 27Pre-Calculus II 36 18 55Calculus I 18 36 55Calculus II 67 17 83

Seniors

Freshmen: 20% have already repeated Pre-Calculus I

Attitude toward the mathematics

Pre-Intervention:

Per cent (%) of people considering that Mathematics is important in Geology

Per cent (%) of people that like Math

Per cent (%) of people considering that are good in

Mathematics

Per cent (%) of people feeling phobia toward

Mathematics

Per cent (%) of people feeling anxiety toward Mathematics

Reasons for having problems with Mathematics

Freshmen Seniors Professors

High Low High Low High Low

No Background in Math 13 88 56 44 43 57

No Background in Engineering 38 63 50 50 33 67

Wrong Math for Geologists 38 63 80 20 71 29

Per cent (%) of people thinking that a new Math course for Geology is needed

The actual knowledge of mathematics in the students of the Geology Department

Intervention:

Knowledge in Mathematics

The actual knowledge of the Geology students in mathematical skills was intended to be determined in the spring semester of 2008 using a Math test.

It consisted of three geology questions where they have to apply from simple to complex mathematical concepts.

Knowledge in Mathematics

The students did not take seriously this test and most of them did not answer the questions.

It was not possible to collect representative data to reach good conclusions.

A new test and/or strategy must be developed to know the actual knowledge.

The future of mathematics in the Department of Geology

Post-Intervention:

Recommendations

After completion the activities it is recommended the following steps:

Give suggestions to the curriculum committee in order to select the most appropriate mathematics courses for the Geology students.

And/or modify some Geology courses to complement with the required mathematical skills.

Acknowledgements The collaboration of Drs. Hernan Santos

and Wilson Ramirez in preparing the math test and getting students data is highly appreciated.

Also, the participation of the Geology faculty in answering the questionnaire was very important.

Finally, thanks to the students!

QUESTIONS?...

Thank you!