MDC Quality Enhancement Plan Mathematics Discipline Meeting Update March 5, 2009

QEP QEP evaluation results to date  Strategies  Overall Next steps for math discipline  Discuss results to date and recommend strategies to revise, scale up, and/or discontinue  Share “best practices”  Review recent research and identify new promising strategies Overview

QEP QEP Goals Goal 1: Improve student mastery of math competencies in four target math courses. – Target set at 60% pass rates for courses. Goal 2: Foster positive student attitude toward learning mathematics. – Target set at ½ SD above baseline survey results.

QEP Target Mathematics Courses 1.MAT0020 – College Prep Math 2.MAT0024 – College Prep Algebra 3.MAT1033 – Intermediate Algebra 4.MAC1105 – College Algebra

QEP Math Mastery Strategies Frequent Assessment  Initial pilot (Spring 2003) showed improved pass and course retention rates.  Several evaluations conducted after reaching consensus about the definition of frequent assessment.  Course pass, success, and retention rates  College Prep Exit Test Scores  Adjunct faculty analysis

QEP Math Mastery Strategies Frequent Assessment  MAC1105 pass and retention rates are higher with frequent assessment.  Results are mixed for MAT1033, with “alternative strategies” showing more promise.  Strategy is not improving pass rates or exit test scores, and may be leading to higher withdrawal rates in MAT0024 and MAT0020.  Student survey results were generally positive; about 60% said the tests helped them learn, improve performance, and get help needed.  Time and insufficient feedback from faculty were issues for some.

QEP Math Mastery Strategies Learning Prescriptions and Supplemental Instruction  Rx form developed and piloted. Faculty feedback on form and student use not positive.  ALEKS identified as an alternative that could assist with both strategies.

QEP Math Mastery Strategies Learning Prescriptions and Supplemental Instruction  No difference in pass rates for sections that offered ALEKS overall.  Students who used ALEKS had greater learning gains on pre/post tests than control group.  Math Attitude Surveys said students in ALEKS sections were less likely to say: “they avoid math whenever they can” “it scares them to have to take math”

QEP Math Mastery Strategies Mathematics Advising  Importance of taking math first term and enrolling continuously emphasized  Brochure  Website

QEP Math Mastery Strategies Mathematics Advising

QEP Math Mastery Strategies Mathematics Advising  Students are more likely to be continuously enrolled in math except for 1033 completers.  Students who failed or withdrew are more likely to enroll again immediately in the course and their pass rates are improving in MAT0024, MAT1033, and MAC1105  Students are not more likely to enroll in alternatives to MAC1105 when they finish MAT1033.

QEP Goal 1: Overall Results

QEP Math Attitude Strategies CRLA Certified Tutor Training  Students attending Math Lab were surveyed before and after tutor training  Lab usage increased 7 percentage points to 91% and frequency of use also increased  Ratings increased in all areas including tutors’…  ability to answer questions and help with material  ability to provide suggestions regarding study techniques  knowledge of technology in the lab

QEP Math Attitude Strategies Success Skills Training and Learning Styles  CTD workshops for faculty during Spring  Modules developed and added to MyMathlab with Learning Styles Inventory.  Piloted on Homestead Campus during Fall ; No results yet.  Students will be surveyed this term for feedback on modules.

QEP Math Attitude Strategies Interim progress reports  System to provide personalized reports through piloted during Spring  No significant difference in students’ attitude toward math when receiving reports.  Faculty feedback led to requested revisions to system and programming requested.  Faculty survey this Spring term on use of any type of progress reports. Will use results to evaluate student feedback.

QEP Math Attitude Strategies Incorporate math into other disciplines  MAC^3 grant led to: Summer and Winter Institutes for faculty Art/Math Synthesis (2005-1/2005-2) learning community Circle of Life learning communities Math Fun competitions Many other innovations but evaluation very limited  Learning outcomes curriculum mapping in progress  Need to rethink evaluation of this strategy – ideas are welcome!

QEP Math Attitude Strategies Upgrade math support labs  Renovations, remodeling, or new labs on all campuses

QEP Goal 2: Overall Results

QEP Next Steps Come to the Math Retreat ready to discuss the following: 1.Recommendations about QEP strategies to revise, scale up, and/or discontinue. 2.Present “best practices” with evidence of impact. 3.New promising strategies identified through review of research.