MDC
Quality Enhancement Plan
Mathematics Discipline
Meeting Update
March 5, 2009
QEP
Overview
QEP evaluation results to date
 Strategies
 Overall
Next steps for math discipline
 Discuss results to date and recommend
strategies to revise, scale up, and/or
discontinue
 Share “best practices”
 Review recent research and identify new
promising strategies
QEP
QEP Goals
• Goal 1: Improve student mastery of math
competencies in four target math
courses.
– Target set at 60% pass rates for courses.
• Goal 2: Foster positive student attitude
toward learning mathematics.
– Target set at ½ SD above baseline survey
results.
QEP
Target Mathematics Courses
1. MAT0020 – College Prep Math
2. MAT0024 – College Prep Algebra
3. MAT1033 – Intermediate Algebra
4. MAC1105 – College Algebra
QEP
Math Mastery Strategies
Frequent Assessment
 Initial pilot (Spring 2003) showed improved pass
and course retention rates.
 Several evaluations conducted after reaching
consensus about the definition of frequent
assessment.
 Course pass, success, and retention rates
 College Prep Exit Test Scores
 Adjunct faculty analysis
QEP
Math Mastery Strategies
Frequent Assessment
 MAC1105 pass and retention rates are higher
with frequent assessment.
 Results are mixed for MAT1033, with
“alternative strategies” showing more promise.
 Strategy is not improving pass rates or exit test
scores, and may be leading to higher withdrawal
rates in MAT0024 and MAT0020.
 Student survey results were generally positive;
about 60% said the tests helped them learn,
improve performance, and get help needed.
 Time and insufficient feedback from faculty
were issues for some.
QEP
Math Mastery Strategies
Learning Prescriptions and Supplemental
Instruction
 Rx form developed and piloted. Faculty
feedback on form and student use not positive.
 ALEKS identified as an alternative that could
assist with both strategies.
QEP
Math Mastery Strategies
Learning Prescriptions and Supplemental
Instruction
 No difference in pass rates for sections that
offered ALEKS overall.
 Students who used ALEKS had greater learning
gains on pre/post tests than control group.
 Math Attitude Surveys said students in ALEKS
sections were less likely to say:
“they avoid math whenever they can”
“it scares them to have to take math”
QEP
Math Mastery Strategies
Mathematics Advising
 Importance of taking math first term and
enrolling continuously emphasized
 Brochure
 Website
QEP
Math Mastery Strategies
Mathematics Advising
Students Taking Math First Term
80
75
71
72
70
68
65
61
60
55
50
2004
2005
2006
2007
QEP
Math Mastery Strategies
Mathematics Advising
 Students are more likely to be continuously enrolled
in math except for 1033 completers.
 Students who failed or withdrew are more likely to
enroll again immediately in the course and their pass
rates are improving in MAT0024, MAT1033, and
MAC1105
 Students are not more likely to enroll in alternatives
to MAC1105 when they finish MAT1033.
QEP
Goal 1: Overall Results
Target Course Pass Rates
70
60
50
20041
40
20051
30
20061
20071
20
20081
10
0
MAT0020
MAT0024
MAT1033
MAC1105
QEP
Math Attitude Strategies
CRLA Certified Tutor Training
 Students attending Math Lab were surveyed
before and after tutor training
 Lab usage increased 7 percentage points to 91%
and frequency of use also increased
 Ratings increased in all areas including tutors’…
 ability to answer questions and help with material
 ability to provide suggestions regarding study
techniques
 knowledge of technology in the lab
QEP
Math Attitude Strategies
Success Skills Training and Learning Styles
 CTD workshops for faculty during Spring 2006-2.
 Modules developed and added to MyMathlab
with Learning Styles Inventory.
 Piloted on Homestead Campus during Fall 2008-1;
No results yet.
 Students will be surveyed this term for feedback
on modules.
QEP
Math Attitude Strategies
Interim progress reports
 System to provide personalized reports through
email piloted during Spring 2005.
 No significant difference in students’ attitude
toward math when receiving reports.
 Faculty feedback led to requested revisions to
system and programming requested.
 Faculty survey this Spring term on use of any
type of progress reports. Will use results to
evaluate student feedback.
QEP
Math Attitude Strategies
Incorporate math into other disciplines
 MAC^3 grant led to:
• Summer and Winter Institutes for faculty
• Art/Math Synthesis (2005-1/2005-2) learning
community
• Circle of Life learning communities
• Math Fun competitions
• Many other innovations but evaluation very
limited
 Learning outcomes curriculum mapping in
progress
 Need to rethink evaluation of this strategy –
ideas are welcome!
QEP
Math Attitude Strategies
Upgrade math support labs
 Renovations, remodeling, or new labs on all
campuses
Enrolled Student Survey Results
100
80
67
93
90
89
65
66
60
% Used
40
% Satisfied
20
0
2004
2006
2008
QEP
Goal 2: Overall Results
Math Attitude Survey Results
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
Baseline
Goal
2008 Result
QEP
Next Steps
Come to the Math Retreat ready to discuss
the following:
1. Recommendations about QEP strategies to
revise, scale up, and/or discontinue.
2. Present “best practices” with evidence of
impact.
3. New promising strategies identified
through review of research.