MATH BOOT CAMP…… Getting Students into Shape Fast!
Andreana M. Grimaldo Associate Professor of Mathematics Quinsigamond Community College 670 W. Boylston Street Worcester MA
QCC’s Developmental Math Program MAT 099 Intermediate Algebra MAT 095 Beginning Algebra MAT 090 Basic Mathematics (Placement by ACCUPLACER score)
MAT 090 BASIC MATHEMATICS Must score 26 on placement exam Approx. 800 enrolled Fall 2010 Curriculum: whole numbers, fractions, decimals, ratio and proportion, percent, statistics, signed numbers. Cumulative final exam, score 73% to advance 58 – 62% success rate
Math Boot Camp 2010 Goal: Quickly remediate mathematics skills for advancement in the mathematics sequence. Grant funded MAT 090 Basic Mathematics focus 1 week in August Small pilot group (20) Lunch and materials included Free
Grant Funded McNair Grant Partnership with Disabilities Office Creation of program Instructor and Assistant Salary 3-ring binder workbook MyMathTest access Lunch Miscellaneous supplies
1-Week Schedule Monday: Expectations/Whole Numbers Tuesday: Multiply/Divide Fractions Wednesday: Add/Subtract Fractions Thursday: Decimals/Percents Friday: Review/Accuplacer
Daily Schedule 8 – 9: Optional independent work 9 – 10: Group activity; mini-lecture 10 – 11:45: “Take a Test”; study plan 11:45 – 12:30: Lunch break 12:30 – 1: Quick activity; mini-lecture 1 – 2: Independent work
Workbook 3-ring Binder Paper/pencil 1 Skill Builder per section Based on MAT 090 Basic Mathematics Integrates study skills Addresses different learning styles
Group Activities Getting to Know You Fishy Fractions! Fraction Puzzle Be a Bargain Shopper! Which is Greater? Munchkin Math!
Results 71% of students advanced at least 1 level of developmental mathematics 21% of students advanced 2 levels of developmental mathematics 75% of disabilities students advanced at least 1 level of developmental mathematics
Lessons Learned 9 – Noon Homework time Paper/MyMathTest Narrow population Basic Math population Algebra population Charge small fee
Future Plans Intersession Course (January) Pre-Basic Math Population Summer Course for incoming freshman - orientation Summer course for high school students Integrate into MAT 090 semester course
Questions