Gateway to Graduation Dr. Sundar, Dr. Wu, Dr. Jóhannsdóttir October 23, 2015

Purpose Every year the mathematics department loses “some” of its students. Students either transfer to a different department, or worse, they leave the college all together.

Purpose We set out to: Find the main reasons for students drop out/failure. Change the mathematics experience of the participants in the study by providing the tools, instruction, and support to find a pathway to persist and succeed in mathematics.

Process Mathematics 103 and 106 Calculus I Analyzed passing rates of students retaking remedial classes. Comparative experiment. We offered students both in class and one-on-one tutoring. Surveyed students who had failed/dropped out of Calculus I.

Process Timeline: –Fall 14: Gathering information/data from mathematics faculty. Identifying classes and students for the study. –Spring 15: Research, planning, hiring tutors, identifying students, writing interview guide, survey, IRB. –Summer 15: Focus on Remedial classes. –Fall 15: Processing information from summer. Survey and processing information from survey.

Assessment Methods Comparative experiment Non-randomized experiment Statistical Analysis Surveys, questionnaires

End Result Students retaking remedial math, passing rate with tutor was 71%, without 34%. Failing Calculus I: –Lack of time –58.33% would choose the same instructor again –Students blame themselves for the their failure –Plan to change study habits

End Result Not a statistically significant difference between grades of students with in class tutoring and without it.

Lessons Learned Identify students at risk and provide extra help. Students with weak academic background need one-on-one counseling and academic support. Special focus on students failing remedial courses – provide support and positive academic environment. Students are reluctant to talk about reasons behind their failure. Course on Study Habits in Mathematics.