ICTCM th Anniversary for ICTCM March 21-24,2013 Boston Accelerated Learning Program At Malcolm X College (One of the City Colleges of Chicago) by Hope Essien

Accelerated Learning Program ALP Video Link 2fRqw0http:// 2fRqw0 And NaUJ8Eo&feature=relatedhttp:// NaUJ8Eo&feature=related

What is Accelerated Learning Program? ALP are structured to enable students to take courses and earn credits in a short period of time than would occur in a traditional semester long course. ALP are designed for student to take less time to attain university credits, certificates or degrees. (Wlodkowski, 2003)

Who uses Accelerated Learning Program? Community Colleges or Universities with adult students in accelerated degree completion and graduate programs. ALP based on the latest brain research, proven again and again to increase learning effectiveness while saving time and money in the process.

Why uses Accelerated Learning Program at MXC? A Positive Learning Environment Total Learner Involvement Collaboration Among Learners Variety That Appeals To All Learning Styles. Contextual Learning ALP has really one aim, though: to get effective results

ALP Theory Adult in ALP are successful because instructors assume that adults are competent contributors to society ALP students are building on learning that has already occurred ALP designed a classroom environment aligned with student day-to-day world ALP should build on adult identity theory (Kasworm, 2003)

ALP Theory ALP recognizes that learning is social in nature Cooperation rather than competition between learners speeds the learning process Using constructivist model creates and engages learners in the process of collectively solving problems and creating solutions ( Imel,2002)

Mathematics Malcolm X College Math 098 – Elementary Algebra Math 099 –Intermediate Algebra Math 118- General Education Math Math 118 (ALP) =Math Math 118 Math 121/122- Mathematics for Teachers Math 125- Elementary Statistics Math 140 –College Algebra Math 143- Pre-Calculus Math 207-Caculus 1 Math 208- Calculus 2 Math 209 -Calculus 3 Math 210- Differential Equation

Funneling Into College Readiness Foundational Studies 1-4 Math 98 Math 99 College Ready STEM Pathway Math (Pre-Calc) Liberal Arts Pathway General Ed Math 118 Statistics, Others (Davis, Math Science Summit 2012)

Student registering for Math 099 for the first time… 1) Does the student need Math 140, 143, 207 for a program or major? 2) Compass Pre- Algebra Cutoff: 45 Math 099College Level Math 118 & Math 299 concurrently Option 1: A two semester sequence Benefits: Supports all math and science. More intense training in Algebra. Drawbacks: Extra time More credit hours More material to learn. Option 2: One semester, two courses Benefits: Less time Fewer credit hours Less material Drawbacks: May be unprepared in science, business Switching majors may be hard yes no < 45 ≥ 45

Malcolm X College Students Data Data Presented will include Summer 2012 and Students Comments

Controversy of ALP Convenience over substance and rigor Question of how well can instructors cover the appropriate materials? Inadequate time to cover course materials Too compressed to produce consistent educational value APL sacrifices breadth and depth of course

Controversy of ALP (Cont) Critics of ALP refer it as “Drive-By”, “Drive –In “ or “McCollege” program ALP create an atmosphere that undercuts competition of students learning

Quality of ALP Courses and Programs Accreditation-Affords the notion that such institution has met the standard and has the resources to provide satisfactory education Learning- time is a necessary but not sufficient condition for learning. Student Capability Quality of Instruction Personal Motivation

Quality of ALP Courses and Programs (Cont.) Instructors enthusiasm and expertise Active Learning Classroom Interaction Good Course Organization Students Input Collegial Classroom Atmosphere Relax Learning Environment Students Attitudes Alumni Attitudes

ALP can it happen in your college? If so what can I do as an instructor? To encourage a collaborative learning environment, instructor must build a positive and trusting relationships within the groups Promote holistic approach to learning Instructors need to encourage students to take a strategic approach to learning Instructors need to build on contextual situation that allow students to apply their learning style to practical situation

ALP can it happen in your college? If so what can I do as an instructor? Instructors need to encourage students to regularly reflect on what they are learning It is the instructors goal to move students towards becoming self aware and self directed learners. (Boyd, 2006)

Does ALP MXC ? Yes. ALP is essential to the success it has generated: Mainstreamed into Math 118 Membership in cohort Meaningful context Small class size Shortening of pipeline Exposure to active learning and critical thinking Attention to behavioral issues ( from college advisement) Attention to outside problems (contextual)

Conclusion The end goal of ALP is not only learn faster but to learn more holistically thus becoming efficient learners in both formal educational environment and in a fast paced knowledge based workforce arena.

References Boyd,D.(2004). Effective Teaching in Accelerated Learning Programs Adult Learning. ERIC CCCR Retrieved on June 29, 2012 from Davis, M (2012). Math Science Summit Imel, S.(2002). Adult Learning in Cohort Group. ERIC Kosworm, C.(2003). From the Adult Students Perspective: Accelerated Degree Program.New Directions for Adult and Continue Education Wlodkowski, R.(2003). Accelerated Learning in Colleges and University. New Directions for Adult and Continue Education

Thank you to: My students Malcolm X College (One of the City Colleges of Chicago) Pearson (MyMathLab) You participants

Contact Information Hope Essien Mathematics Department Malcolm X College (One of the City Colleges of Chicago) 1900 West Van Buren Street Chicago IL (312)