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A Plan for Recruitment and Retention in Mathematics and Computer Science

A Plan for Recruitment and Retention in Mathematics and Computer Science. Dr. Lisa Lister and Dr. John Polhill Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania November 3, 2001. Recruitment: A three phase process. Phase 1: High School Contests. Math Contest. Quiz Bowl Brainteasers

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A Plan for Recruitment and Retention in Mathematics and Computer Science

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  1. A Plan for Recruitment and Retention in Mathematics and Computer Science Dr. Lisa Lister and Dr. John Polhill Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania November 3, 2001

  2. Recruitment: A three phase process

  3. Phase 1:High School Contests

  4. Math Contest Quiz Bowl Brainteasers Game of 24-points

  5. Programming Contest • 8-12 programs to be written in time allowed

  6. Phase 2:Open House

  7. Open House • Campus Visits • Area Visits

  8. Phase 3:High School Visits

  9. Campus High School Visits • Tour of campus • 3 presentations • Lunch with majors and faculty

  10. High School Lecture Series Professors visit local high schools Presentations: Math and Sports Cryptology Popular Mathematics Organizer: Dr. Kevin Ferland

  11. Retention Project

  12. Placement Testing Goals: Start kids in the right place Make transition to college easier Retain majors

  13. Placement Testing Process: Dealing with affected departments Choosing an exam Making cutoffs Giving exam Dealing with the consequences

  14. An experiment- Comparing Styles Lecture Format Computer Based/Self-Paced Students “Randomly” Assigned Same textbook - Precalculus with Limits (Lial, Hornsby, Schneider) Self-Paced Precalculus

  15. Lecture Format 3 sections Fall 2001 1 section Spring 2001 Serves as Control

  16. Computer-Based/Self-Paced • Addison-Wesley - Coursecompass/MathXL • Students work problems on the computer at their own pace • Professor as guide • Tests - software generated • Fall 2001 - 2 sections, Spring 2002 - 1 section

  17. Methods of Comparison • Common Final to all Sections • Student Satisfaction Survey • % Retained Through Calculus Sequence • % Retained in Major

  18. Apparent Advantages/Disadvantages of the Computer-Based Course • Advantages • Focus on trouble areas • Early completion • Better Students not Slowed by Others • Disadvantages • Procrastinators at Major Risk • Outside Comfort Zone • Some Loss of Personal Touch?

  19. First-Year Seminar Course for Math/CS Majors • First Year Being Offered • Aimed at Retention • Get to Know Students Well • Help! I am OVERWHELMED!!!

  20. Content of Course • Social Activities (Picnic, Day at the Bloomsburg Fair, trip to Washington D.C.) • Exercises for Getting to Know University • Exercises for Getting to Know Department • Study and Survival Skills • Mathematics • Guest Speakers from Industry

  21. Tutoring Mentoring Center • Choosing Tutors • Training Tutors • Lab hours: 50+ hours a week

  22. Group Advisement Sessions • Where a typical student should be in their college career at this time • Upper level and special topic courses offered • Changes in curriculum • General Education Suggestions

  23. Social Activities • Picnic for majors • Brunch for graduating seniors • Two clubs • Planned trips • Seminars

  24. Contact Information • Dr. John B. Polhill • jpolhill@bloomu.edu • http://facstaff.bloomu.edu/jpolhill

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