1. Core Principles for Teaching Corequisite Math and Statistics Courses
Presenter: Matt Teachout
Date: May 11, 2019

2. Introduction AB705 – Prerequisites to Corequisites
How prepared are our STEM students?
How prepared are our Statistics students?

3. Core Principles for Teaching Underprepared students Math and Statistics
What can we do to help underprepared students succeed?

4. Core Principle #1 Do not assume prerequisite Knowledge
Do not assume students have the foundational knowledge to understand advanced topics
Always review foundational topics as much as you can.
Avoid the “Sink or Swim” mentality.

5. Core Principle #2 Build Foundational Knowledge with “Just in time” reviews
First show the advanced topic idea and the connection to the review topic.
Review topics should be short and directly connected to the advanced topic.
Corequisite courses have extra time for “just in time” reviews
Can still build foundational knowledge in courses without corequisites.
Example: Math 090/140 Corequisite Schedule
Example: Just in time reviews for regular Math 140 classes

6. Core Principle #3 Use an Active Learning Approach with Problem Solving during class
Keep Lectures relatively short. Lecture enough during class to explain the key ideas, but do not over-lecture. Remember, students also learn by doing.
Make sure students solve problems during class. Don’t leave it all to homework.
Check students in-class work in order to make sure students are solving problems correctly during class. That way they are less likely to make mistakes during homework.

7. Core Principle #4 Use Alternate Homework Strategies
Maximize in-class problem solving and make sure students are doing the problems correctly.
Keep level of homework problems similar to in-class problems. Always do the most advanced problems with the students during class.
Avoid “kill and drill” mentality. Less problems done correctly during class is better than many problems done wrong at home. Think about appropriate homework sets and the length of time it will take students to complete those problems without help.
Read sections in the book and take notes for homework
Watch supplemental instruction videos and take notes for homework.
Write paragraph explaining a key topic for homework.

8. Core Principle #5 Stress Vocabulary and interpretations
“Lost in the trees and cannot see the forest”. Students often lose sight of main ideas in Math and Statistics. All they can see is the calculations and do not understand what or why they are calculating.
Have students write sentences and paragraphs to explain the main ideas.
Example paragraph from student.
Constantly review the vocabulary and definitions.
Example vocabulary and definitions from statistics book.

9. Core Principle #6 Use Technology to build conceptual Understanding
Teach students to use computer programs, apps and software to solve problems. Need to prepare students for real world jobs.
Using technology frees up time so students can focus on the theory and interpretations.
Using technology allows students to visually see the main ideas without being lost in the calculations.
Still important to explain calculations, but do not lose sight of the main idea.
Example: Using Statcato and StatKey to visualize P-value and F-test statistic in ANOVA.

10. Core Principle #7 Re-think assessment
Classwork points increase retention and encourage students to work hard on problems during class. Encourage students to present and explain their ideas for points.
Give points for projects. Project-based learning allows students to get real-world experience and better understanding of why they are learning this material. Major projects should be scaffolded.
Exams should be at the same level as the problems covered during your class. Think about the appropriate time for students to finish exams. I like my weakest students to still be able to finish the exam.
Give points for homework. Besides problem solving, reading assignments with notes, supplemental instruction videos with notes, and writing assignments are also valuable homework assignments.

11. Overview of Math 090/140 Corequisite Statistics

12. Overview of Math 090/140 Corequisite Statistics
Sample Schedule for Math 090/140
Resources at but can also be saved on Canvas
Introduction to Statistics for Community College Students (Free OER Math 140 book. Will be completed by Fall 2019 semester)
Introduction to Data Analysis (Free OER Math 075 book. Updated 4th edition will be completed by Fall )
Preparing for Algebra and Statistics (Free OER Math 058/059 book)

13. Introduction to Using StatKey & statcato
StatKey is hosted online at and does not need to be saved. It also works well on MAC and PC computers.
Statcato is a traditional program that is saved on all of the in-class and TLC computers. Can be downloaded or “Java Web Start” at Tends to be problematic saving or opening on MAC laptops.