Polya Mathematics Lab A Cognitive Approach Design Proposal By Deepak Kumar Adam Royalty

Background College algebra taught online Students meet in a focus group weekly Streaming video lectures Homework done on CourseCompass Three computer tests a semester One written final

Learning Problem Students who watch the online lectures are not retaining the information. Specifically, each lecture teaches a problem solving technique, but the students cannot remember the entire process.

Design Principal (c3) “ The curriculum of a subject matter domain can be organized so that students come to understand the major unifying principles of the domain. ” (Greeno, 27)

Hypothesis Students do not see the hierarchical structure of course Students do not identify the major unifying principles Students conceptual structure may be very shallow

Proposed Study Math 143 students 2 focus groups (about 80 students) 1 Year 2 measurements per semester 4 types of questions

Methodology 1.Comparisons 2.Multiple-choice 3.Classifying problems 4.Identifying problems

Implications and Solutions Understanding of novice concept map Identifying problem areas in the course Show students the major principles at the beginning of the course Re-design the lessons where students have few deep connections