Redesign of Intermediate Algebra THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA College of Arts and Sciences Department of Mathematics NCAT Redesign Alliance Conference March 23, 2009

Setting ( Academic Year) Two developmental math courses Remedial Mathematics Intermediate Algebra 1700 students per year Taught in traditional, lecture-based setting Taught entirely by instructors and GTAs

Course Format Courses taught in rigid format Common syllabus Common presentation schedule Common tests

Problems Courses teacher-centered No support for multiple learning styles Inconsistent coverage of topics No flexibility in instructional pace Lack of student success Very high course repeat percentage Negative impact on student retention Significant drain on resources

Solution Identify an alternative structure that: Had faculty and instructor support Was learner centered Supported multiple learning styles Provided consistent presentation of material Allowed students to work at own pace Increased student success Reduced resource demands

Approach Selected “Math Emporium” model developed by Virginia Tech Initial application to Intermediate Algebra (Math 100) Approximately 1300 students per year

Course Format

l minute “classes” that introduce students to topics and integrate the topics into the overall course objectives l 3-4 hours in Mathematics Technology Learning Center (MTLC) or elsewhere working independently using course software that presents topics covering specific learning objectives l Instructors and tutors available in MTLC 71 hours/week to provide individualized assistance

Course Format (continued) l Students review topic material l Students work homework problems that cover defined learning objectives l Homework is graded immediately by the computer providing the student with instant feedback on their performance l After completing homework, students take quizzes that cover learning objectives

Course Format (continued) l Students can do homework multiple times and take quizzes twice, always receiving instant feedback l After completing homework and quizzes on a series of topics, students take a section test l Tests are given only in the MTLC l Tests available on demand with a specified completion date

Fundamental Premise Students learn mathematics by doing mathematics

Advantages of Course Format Learner-centered Software supports multiple learning styles Consistent presentation of material Individualized tutorial support available Students can work at own pace

Advantages of Course Format Students can work in lab or at home Software provides instant feedback on work Homework, quizzes, tests, & exam computer graded Software records all student activity

Outcomes

Success Rates Semester Success Rate Semester Success Rate Fall % Spring % Fall % Spring %

Success Rates Semester Success Rate Semester Success Rate Fall % Spring % Fall % Spring % Fall % Spring % Fall % Spring % Fall % Spring % Fall % Spring % Fall % Spring % Fall % Spring % Fall % Spring % Fall % Spring % Fall %

Underserved Groups

Success Rates by Math Placement Category Math Placement Score Year< >250 98/9931.5%45.5%66.6% 99/0040.3%43.8%63.2% 00/0132.8%42.0%60.6% 01/0248.9%53.8%71.2% 02/0348.4%54.9%62.0%

Success Rates by Gender (Fall Semesters) F 98F 99F 00F 01F 02 Females54.7%48.9%53.0%66.7%68.2% Males39.1%31.8%45.9%55.8%57.6% Overall47.1%40.6%50.2%60.5%63.0%

Success Rates by Ethnicity (Fall Semesters) F 99F 00F 01F 02 African-American35.0%59.4%60.4%63.6% Caucasian41.1%46.5%60.7%62.3% Overall40.6%50.2%60.5%63.0%

Cost Savings

Academic Year Students 43 Sections of 35 Students Each 2 FTTI (16 $36,250 $72,500 5 GTAs (20 $17,565 $87,825 7 PTTI (7 $1,655 $11,585 Total Cost $171,910 Cost Per Student $116 Traditional Course Cost

Redesigned Course Cost Academic Year Students 18 Sections of 85 Students Each 2 $36,250$72,500 6 $1,655 $9,930 UG Tutors 5760 $7/hr $40,320 Total Cost $122,750 Cost Per Student $83

Cost Savings Traditional Course$116/student Redesigned Course$83/student Savings$33/student (28%)

Cost Savings (Economy of Scale) 955 Students in Math 005 & $36,250$36,250 4 $1,655 $6,620 Total$42,870 $45/student

Conclusions Based on our experience, we are confident that computer-based instruction in precalculus mathematics courses can: Enhance student learning Increase success rates, particularly for underserved students Reduce resource demands