MathPatch: A way of supporting teaching quantitative concepts in a geoscience class

Highline Community College Open Admissions 15,000 students 63% Female, average age 25, Majority non-white 85% enter with below college level mathematics skills (Intermediate algebra)

Make Geology 101 more quantitative The Goal: Make Geology 101 more quantitative

The problems: No appropriate pre-requisite Math level not a predictor of achievement in either quantitative performance or math performance 10 week quarter – not much time to do additional instruction

The solution MathPatch A 1-credit course that meets 2 times per week for the first half of the quarter Required co-requisite, but students can “challenge” the course or request a waiver based on pre-test. Teaches needed background right before it is needed in class. Run since 2003

The Results Increased quantitative content for all instructors Increased retention (73% → 85%) Improved performance in geology class ------ Reduced enrollment? Difficulty in scheduling