redesigning a new pathway · approach: linear numbers algebra functions proportions. new approach:...

MLCS:

Redesigning a New Pathway for Non-STEM Majors

Kathleen Almy & Heather Foes

Rock Valley College

Look forward, not back

Source: Sullivan Statistics, 4e

What does this content require of students?

Students must:

•Read and interpret text critically •Understand graphs •Use appropriate technology •Work with algebraic notation •Possess numeric understanding •Solve applied problems

CONNECT

APPLY RETAIN

Students must:

•Read and interpret text critically •Understand graphs •Use appropriate technology •Work with algebraic notation •Possess numeric understanding •Solve applied problems

Is this enough to get them there?

30% of what is 42?

Find the slope.

Does this help?

A train leaves a station at 4 pm traveling 55 mph. Another train leaves the station at 5 pm traveling 65 mph. When will the second train catch the first one?

Problems & solutions

Issues

Large number of students place into developmental math

Most students only need statistics or liberal arts math to graduate

Intermediate algebra screens but does not prepare for all outcome courses

Course goals

Update content Balance instruction Diversify assessment

Differentiate pathways

Build college readiness

A New Pathways Option

In one semester, Mathematical Literacy for College Students gives a student at the beginning- algebra level the mathematical maturity to be successful in statistics, liberal arts math, or intermediate algebra.

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

AMATYC

New Life

initiative

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

AMATYC

New Life

initiative

New Life

leads to

Statway &

Quantway

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

AMATYC

New Life

initiative

New Life

leads to

Statway &

Quantway

Statway

pilots begin

MLCS pilot

begins at

RVC

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

AMATYC

New Life

initiative

New Life

leads to

Statway &

Quantway

Statway

pilots begin

MLCS pilot

begins at

RVC

Quantway

pilots begin

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

AMATYC

New Life

initiative

New Life

leads to

Statway &

Quantway

Statway

pilots begin

MLCS pilot

begins at

RVC

Quantway

pilots begin

Project

begins

to scale

A course built with the goals in mind

MLCS Content Areas

Numeracy Proportional reasoning

2

Algebraic reasoning

Functions

1

3

4

4

*See packet for objectives

Traditional Approach: Linear

Nu

mb

ers

Alg

eb

ra

Fun

ctio

ns

Pro

po

rtio

ns

New Approach: Integrated & Layered

Geometry, statistics, student success, mathematical success

Nu

me

racy

Alg

eb

raic

Re

aso

nin

g

Pro

po

rtio

nal

R

eas

on

ing

Fun

ctio

ns

New ways to focus on student success

I can do math! And I actually enjoy it! Instead of dreading it, I look forward to it. This class has changed my view on math and built my confidence.

A Student Perspective: Mathematical Success

Snapshots

I have learned that communication is very important. With groups, I find it very helpful to process and understand things better which makes me more confident when it comes time for homework.

A Student Perspective: Groups

A look inside the content

Focus problems frame units

Polya’s approach in action •Understand the problem •Make a plan •Carry out the plan •Look back

Open-ended problems, not exercises

Linear equations Functions Slope Algebraic vs.

numeric methods Excel

Open-ended problems

Linear equations Functions Slope Algebraic vs.

numeric methods

# of Books Sony Nook Hardcover (no device)

1 $241.95 $109.00 $24.50

2 $254.90 $119.00 $49.00

3 $267.85 $129.00 $73.50

4 $280.80 $139.00 $98.00

5 $293.75 $149.00 $122.50

6 $306.70 $159.00 $147.00

7 $319.65 $169.00 $171.50

8 $332.60 $179.00 $196.00

9 $345.55 $189.00 $220.50

10 $358.50 $199.00 $245.00

11 $371.45 $209.00 $269.50

12 $384.40 $219.00 $294.00

13 $397.35 $229.00 $318.50

14 $410.30 $239.00 $343.00

15 $423.25 $249.00 $367.50

16 $436.20 $259.00 $392.00

17 $449.15 $269.00 $416.50

18 $462.10 $279.00 $441.00

19 $475.05 $289.00 $465.50

20 $488.00 $299.00 $490.00

21 $500.95 $309.00 $514.50

22 $513.90 $319.00 $539.00

23 $526.85 $329.00 $563.50

24 $539.80 $339.00 $588.00

25 $552.75 $349.00 $612.50

Open-ended problems

Linear equations Functions Slope Algebraic vs.

numeric methods

Combining these perspectives gives more information than one method alone.

This class is more realistic than an algebra class, but it also takes a lot more time. It requires you to work hard on every problem so that you’re capable of solving the problem again in a different situation.

A Student Perspective: Rigor

Lesson structure promotes engagement

•Explore •Discover •Connect •Reflect •Practice

Hook students with accessible challenges

A Student Perspective: Assumptions

What looks easy in this class ends up being harder than you think. And what looks hard ends up being easy.

Approach algebra in unexpected ways

A Student Perspective: Reading

This course challenges me on a different level, more than I have seen before…the hardest part is the reading. The course has improved my reading comprehension in a completely different way than my English courses have.

The power of context

Cost = 200 + 1.29n y=mx+b

Where’s the math?

Before…

Where’s the math?

…after

We use things that are related to real life situations. We focus on how to solve a problem, versus trying to memorize an equation.

A Student Perspective: Role of Skills

Connect concepts to other skills and contexts

A foundation for a quantitative literacy course

Numeracy Units Rates Scaling Proportionality

A foundation for statistics

Student success Statistics foundation Reading Graphs Scaling

FAQs What about factoring?

Does this course “dumb down” developmental math standards for entry into college level courses?

Are you pushing students away from STEM majors?

Provide more options, not fewer

More than statistics and liberal arts math preparation…

science, nursing, algebra, and more.

Chemical equations

Viral marketing

IV drip rates

Order of magnitude

A strong foundation for undecided students keeps them moving forward in the sequence

Making MLCS a reality

Concerns

Adjuncts

Articulation

Training

Prealgebra MLCS

Intermediate Algebra

STEM College

Level Math

Non-STEM College

Level Math (Statistics, Liberal Arts

Math)

Implementation Ideas: replace beginning algebra

Implementation Ideas: support an emporium

Prealgebra Beginning

Algebra Intermediate

Algebra College

Level Math

Prealgebra

MLCS

Intermediate Algebra

STEM College

Level Math

Non-STEM College

Level Math (Statistics, Liberal Arts

Math)

Beginning Algebra

Implementation Ideas: augment traditional sequence

RVC Course Sequence

Implementation Ideas: 4th year high school course

Non-STEM College

Level Math

Algebra 1 Geometry Algebra 2 MLCS

Prealgebra Algebra 1 Basic Math

Prealgebra Algebra 1 Geometry MLCS

MLCS

Supports the Common Core

Questions

For More Information

Email:

kathleenalmy@gmail.com

heather.foes@gmail.com

Blog:

http://almydoesmath.blogspot.com