redesigning a new pathway · approach: linear numbers algebra functions proportions. new approach:...
TRANSCRIPT
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
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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:
Blog:
http://almydoesmath.blogspot.com