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Restructure of the Developmental Mathematics Courses

This report discusses the restructuring of the Developmental Mathematics (DVMT) courses at Towson University, with a focus on replacing part of the lecture with supervised web-based coursework. The goal was to improve pass rates, and the report highlights achievements, program support, benefits for students and instructors, challenges, concerns, and plans for the future.

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Restructure of the Developmental Mathematics Courses

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  1. Restructure of the Developmental Mathematics Courses

  2. Background • Redesigned courses: Developmental Mathematics (DVMT) 101 and 110 • Proposed change: replace part of lecture with supervised web-based coursework • Original goal: to improve DVMT pass rates • Proposal submitted in Spring 2007 • “Pre-pilot” in Fall 07 and pilot in Spring 08

  3. Report on Implementation • Re-structured the DVMT courses • Selected and custom-published the textbook • Created electronic tests & assignments via web-based “coordinator” courses • Conducted pilot courses • Conducted three training sessions • Confirmed upcoming training sessions

  4. Achievements • Increased Part-time DVMT faculty participation • Increased support from Full-time faculty • Increased collaborative efforts because of university wide awareness & commitment • Established contacts with key personnel both inside and outside the math department

  5. Achievements cont. • Produced a working model for large-scale implementation for Fall 08 • Increased coordination with bookstore to supply appropriate textbooks • Identified various aspects of implementing technology; pros & cons • Increased departmental awareness of national trends and best practices

  6. Program Support • Department-level • Created task force • Training sessions were well-attended • University-level • Office of the Provost for lab space • Academic Achievement Center for ULAs • Library & Athletics helped install software • USM-level • Workshops are informative • Collaboration with other institutions

  7. Benefits for Students • Immediate feedback • Plenty of additional practice & stepwise instruction • Individualized study plan • Online components increases accessibility • Ability to email instructors with specific questions • Learning additional basic computer skills

  8. Benefits for Instructors • Ability to share assignments & practice problems • Ability to tailor online component • Better rapport with students • Increased student responsibility for learning • More confident & energized students • Learning additional basic computer skills

  9. Challenges for Students • Cost and longevity of access codes • Ability to log-in at various locations because of software incompatibilities • Entering answers using appropriate syntax

  10. Challenges for Instructors • Reluctance of some students • Getting students to register/log-on early • Learning curve with the technology • Adapting the technology to the teaching style

  11. Concerns from Instructors • Decreased lecture time • Pacing the course • Troubleshooting the technology • Teaching load under the new structure • Are students maximizing textbook usage?

  12. Quotes from Students “I have used tutoring before…it’s even better now [because] the computer makes it easier for my tutor to focus on my problems” “I hate this stupid thing because it keeps saying that I am wrong when I’m not” “Can you turn on harder problems”

  13. Program Assessment • Initial Goal: to improve course pass rates • Expanded Goal: to improve retention rates • Incorporate best practices learned from DEAM, NCAT, NADE & other organizations • Collaborate with Institutional Research

  14. Toward the Future • Create open computer lab • Create testing center • Address rising fees for software • Address instructors’ concerns • Improve program assessment • Ensure adequate tech support • Continue to provide workshops & trainings

  15. You Are Invited! Course Redesign Workshop Facilitator: Dr. Phoebe Rouse Louisiana State University When: Tuesday, July 8th time to be announced Where: Towson University RSVP: ASAP to 410-704-3093

  16. Special Thanks • The University System of Maryland • Office of the Provost for Towson University • Hagerstown Community College • Faculty & Staff

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