Polya Mathematics Lab A Behaviorist Approach Design Proposal A Behaviorist Approach Design Proposal By Deepak Kumar Adam Royalty Edmund Shen By Deepak Kumar Adam Royalty Edmund Shen

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  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 have difficulty factoring higher degree polynomials If students do not master the prerequisite skills, they cannot develop the higher order intellectual skills. Students have difficulty factoring higher degree polynomials If students do not master the prerequisite skills, they cannot develop the higher order intellectual skills.

Design Principal (b5) “Tests of students’ achievement in acquiring routine information and skill can be constructed by analyzing the procedures and information to be acquired and construction items that assess students’ knowledge of the components.” (Greeno, 27)

The Aim To determine what components of the learning hierarchy students have not mastered

Proposed Study  Math 143 students  Every focus group  1 Year  2 measurements per semester  2-5 question on each segment of the learning hierarchy  Math 143 students  Every focus group  1 Year  2 measurements per semester  2-5 question on each segment of the learning hierarchy

Methodology Written test Test will start with highest level skills and move down the hierarchy Different types of questions for each level Written test Test will start with highest level skills and move down the hierarchy Different types of questions for each level

Higher Degree Polynomials

Implications and Solutions  Understanding of what components students struggle with  More practice problems in the areas that students are weakest

The End