Redesigning Developmental Mathematics and Precalculus

Courses with Web-based Software

Mathematics Department Course Resign CommitteeL. Aquila, A. Berele, J. Bergen, V. Bouagnon, I. Ugarcovici

The precalculus mathematics sequence consists of

Math 094 Math 095 Math 101 Math 130 Math 131

Math 094 – Basic Algebra

Topics include: fractions, decimals, percentages

Math 095 – Introductory Algebra

Topics include: linear equations, linear inequalities, polynomials

Math 101 – Intermediate Algebra

Topics include: factoring, rational expressions, radical expressions,

quadratic functions.

After Math 101, students who are not calculus

bound can take LSP 120 – Quantitative Reasoning

Math 130 – Precalculus

Topics include: exponential functions, logarithmic functions,

polynomial and rational functions.

After Math 130,students may take

Math 135, 136, 137 – Business Calculus and

Statistics.

Math 131 -Trigonometry

The largest population of at-risk students can be found in Math 095 and Math 101.

(Relatively few students take Math 094.)

D-W-F Rates in Math 095 and Math 101 from 2001 to 2009(2001 represents the 2000-2001 academic year, etc)

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009095 26.9 26.9 27.4 10.1 24.0 20.8 16.8 20.4 15.2101 23.7 21.6 21.0 25.5 19.7 19.5 20.1 22.6 18.9

Totals

Math 095 had a D-W-F rate of 21.5% with 3466 students

Math 101 had a D-W-F rate of 21.5% with 8210 students

Math 095 and Math 101 are prerequisites for students bound

for either quantitative reasoning or calculus.

However, the mathematical skills

needed for quantitative reasoning and calculus

are very different.

We determined that both populations would be better served by the

creation of a new prerequisite for

quantitative reasoning.

Math 100

Math 100 is being piloted in the 2009-

2010 academic year.

Starting in Fall 2010, two-thirds of all Math

095 sections and half of all Math 101 sections will be replaced by

Math 100.

Math 100 – Introduction to Quantitative Reasoning

Prerequisite: Passing Math 094 or placing into either Math 095 or Math 101.

Topics include: linear models, power models, exponential models, logarithmic models,

regression.

Math 100 emphasizes modeling data with

various types of functions and

deemphasizes algebraic manipulations.

Problems will have the flavor of problems that

arise in quantitative reasoning.

Graphing calculators will be used extensively and this will smooth the

transition to Excel in LSP 120

Expected Benefits of Math 100

1. Students will be better prepared for LSP 120.

2. Many students will require one less math course before taking

LSP 120. (They will take Math 100 instead of both Math 095 and

Math 101).

3. The D-W-F rate for Math 100 should be

lower than it has been for Math 095 and Math

101.

4. Math 095 and Math 101 will no longer

serve two very different populations and can concentrate on the needs of calculus bound students.

D-W-F Rates in Math 095, Math 100, and Math 101 in Fall 2009 and Winter 2010

Math 095 13.6% with 309 students (from 01-09, it was 21.5%)Math 101 19.4% with 804 students (from 01-09, it was 21.5%)

Math 100 14.1% with 185 students

Why the improvements in Math 095 and Math 101?

Possible explanations:

1. Math 100 pulled some of the less math

oriented students away from Math 095.

2. Use of the web-based software

MyMathLab

and the O’Connell 300 computer lab.

Some Follow-Up

The FYAS Program offered Math 100 during the Winter Intercession. 15 students from that course took LSP 120 in

Winter 2010 and 3 received a D-W-F.

Therefore, 12 students who took Math 094 in Fall 2009, successfully completed LSP 120 in Winter 2010. Under the

old system, these 12 students would not have completed LSP 120 until Fall 2010 (at the earliest).

The Issues and Plans for the Future

1. In Fall 2010, we will be introducing upgraded curriculum in Math 095, 101, 130,

and 131. This curriculum will make use of various properties of MyMathLab.

2. Common Finals in Math 094, 095, 100, 101, 130, and 131.

3. Data collection

4. Faculty buy-in

5. Faculty training

6. The unexpected but inevitable problems

that arise from relying on technology.