Math-Retention Project at

De Anza Community College

Susan DeanInstructor

Physical Sciences,

Mathematics &

Engineering

deansusan@deanza.edu

Website: http://faculty.deanza.edu/deansusan

The Math-Retention Project

• Used for Developmental Classes: Math 210 (pre-alg.), Math 112 (beg. Alg.) and Math 114 (int. alg.)

• Specialized program

– MPS (Math Performance Success): We needed an MPS-like program for all our developmental students

– Combines web-based math software that stresses homework mastery with a retention/success program

How Do We Use the Math Software (SW)?

Total course– Visualizations for better understanding

(Concepts)– Examples– Homework is done online (mastery)– Homework problems are adaptive– Quizzes/some tests done online– Management system tracks student’s progress – Instructor provided with a grade book– Mail system

How Do We Use the Math Software?(cont.)

• Class formats– 5-days per week; 50 min. per class (40 size); lab 3

of the days– 2-days per week; 70 min. per class (40 size); lab

half time– 4-days per week; 4 50 min. sessions in class; 4 50

min. lab sessions for the instructor, 2 for the student (large 80 size)

– HYBRID: class meets once a week in lab for 70 min.

How Do We Use the Math Software? (cont.)

• Lecture vs. Lab– Less lecture and more lab: Bring up

Concepts and Example features in the SW.– Lecture time: Often used to do worksheets

that reinforce skills learned through online homework

– Lab time: the bulk of the course. Students presented with one problem at a time (immediate feedback)

How Do We Use the Math Software?(cont.)

• Students Do the Work– Each class works from a syllabus easily

created from a matrix.– Homework done in the class lab, in open lab

and at home.– Dated assignments keep students on track.– Locked/unlocked and dated quizzes.– One problem at a time; forces students to

slow down and pay attention to detail

Message Center

Syllabus for Intermediate Algebra

Assignment Problem

Concepts

Examples

Quizzes/Tests

Grapher

Grade Book

Class Administration

Syllabus Edit

College Student Survey (CSS)

• What is it?– Survey used to

increase student success improve student retention enhance advising

• Internet based or paper-and-pencil• Mandatory: Students in the project must take

the CSS

College Student Survey (cont.)

• When is it given?– Currently: In the lab during the 2nd week of

school– Can be taken on any computer with an

Internet connection– Future: Before classes start each quarter

College Student Survey (cont.)

• Counselors– visit classes after CSS is given – bring personal reports for students to the lab;

explain report; meet with willing students after the presentation

– Email all students inviting them to visit the counselor

– phone or email at-risk students (indicated by the CSS) who did not respond to email inviting them to meet individually with the counselor

College Student System (cont.)

• Counselors– make a follow-up visit to the classes the 8th

week – will meet to discuss and review practices in

order to improve for next quarter and beyond

Student Satisfaction Survey

• Written and conducted by Andrew LaManque, De Anza Researcher June 2006 (See http://www.research.fhda.edu/researchreports/researchreports.php under the name Andrew La Manque)

• 85% more engaged using software (SW)• 79% learned more math with SW• 80% felt SW helped improve grade• 86% would take another class with SW

Student Satisfaction Survey (cont.)

• 42% said they did better in the class after learning the results of the College Student Survey (CSS)

• 68% would recommend CSS to other students

Math Software

Information•100% Java Code•Requires Internet Connection•Web Browser: Internet Explorer (version 5 and above), Mozilla Firefox, Netscape (version 6 and above)•Platforms: Windows 98 second edition and above, Mac OS X 10.2 (Jaguar) and above•Changes are being made for accessibility•Guidebooks for each module