A Reform College Algebra Course for both Traditionalists and Reformists

Background: How I Taught Precalculus For Last 15 Years Lectured on topic Gave examples that illustrated a step-by-step method Students copied what I wrote on board Had students do similar problems alone or in informal groups. Most times I lectured and they wrote. A very traditional classroom. My Class notes were available online

Assessment Used In My Traditional Precalculus Course Students were assigned homework problems. Quizzes and tests used problems similar or identical to homework. >90% = A, 80-89% = B, etc. Tests & quizzes made up 85% of grade. HW & projects made up 15%

Benefits of My Traditional Method Very predictable for student Stressed mastery of algebra skills needed for higher mathematics Notes were online if student misses class Time efficient

Drawbacks of My Traditional Method Too predictable for student? Mastery of step-by-step skills without underlying understanding was possible Notes were online so absenteeism was high if attendance not part of grade General student enthusiasm was low and seemed to get lower each year, even though I included interesting (to me) applications.

My Proposed Revised Method of Teaching Precalculus Begin each day with motivational example of how algebra is beneficial See Lecture on concepts and properties See Keep focusing on applications and “value of math”, as much as possible. Use short videos as much as possible. Students are given Property Sheets and make side notes CONTINUED...

My Proposed Revised Method of Teaching Precalculus Students are split up in groups See Students do group exercises in a game-like setting Justification of steps using a 2-column method. See Lessons page for examples. Groups providing most solutions each week get Extra Credit Use of multimedia & movies for comprehension checks and Application Problems. XC for Bonus Problems. Grade is based on Exams, HW, and Group Participation

A Typical Class Day A Typical Class Day (Two Hour Class) First 5 Minutes – We discuss a real-world application of mathematics. Next Minutes – Take any questions. Next Minutes – Lecture on concepts or continue Group Work from previous day. Remainder of class time – Group Work exercises, or start new topic with lecture.

Tentative Assessment Breakdown 3 Unit Tests at 100 pts each = 300 pts Final Exam at 200 pts = 200 pts 91 Group Exercises = 91 pts Lose Points If absent 4 HW Sets handed in at 20 pts each = 80 pts TOTAL POSSIBLE = 671 pts Group Participation XC Up To 2 pts/wk ~ 30 pts Bonus Problem Points XC ~ 20 pts. TOTAL EXTRA CREDIT POSSIBLE > 50 Pts But realistically, students will get about pts XC

Anticipated Benefits Students will gain an appreciation for direct and indirect value of algebra Students will obtain a better ability to logically & deductively solve problems Students will become more familiar and comfortable with formal proof Students learn teamwork skills The Real World is brought into the classroom via videos & applications!

Anticipated Obstacles Students may revolt and insist on traditional instruction - Many students believe that when a problem is not easy to understand upon quick inspection, it is not worthwhile Students may resent required attendance - If they miss, they lose points. Only official school activities qualify for exemption Students may resist performing assigned group member duties These resources available at

FREE COURSE NOTES! These College Algebra Notes are in both PDF form and MS Word form. So you can edit them, add more equations, etc. and then print to PDF for use in your own course! GO TO and click on the link college algebra lecture notes near the bottom of the page.