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Algebra Commons

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Full-Text Articles in Algebra

Supplemental Instruction For Developmental Mathematics: Two-Year Summary, Olen Dias, Alice W. Cunningham, Loreto Porte Feb 2016

Supplemental Instruction For Developmental Mathematics: Two-Year Summary, Olen Dias, Alice W. Cunningham, Loreto Porte

Publications and Research

Supplemental instruction—using trained peer tutors to conduct additional class sessions in a group-work format—has been in use for over forty years. However, its success in developmental mathematics has been inconclusive. In the two years since institution of the strategy for developmental mathematics students at Hostos Community College, overall results (n = 5403 students) show significantly improved course pass rates to at least a 99% confidence level. Although no significant course retention differences have yet appeared, academic success itself promotes future retention. The program has proved beneficial for the College’s developmental mathematics students and is being expanded. Future research including …


Multiple Problem-Solving Strategies Provide Insight Into Students’ Understanding Of Open-Ended Linear Programming Problems, Marla A. Sole Jan 2016

Multiple Problem-Solving Strategies Provide Insight Into Students’ Understanding Of Open-Ended Linear Programming Problems, Marla A. Sole

Publications and Research

Open-ended questions that can be solved using different strategies help students learn and integrate content, and provide teachers with greater insights into students’ unique capabilities and levels of understanding. This article provides a problem that was modified to allow for multiple approaches. Students tended to employ high-powered, complex, familiar solution strategies rather than simpler, more intuitive strategies, which suggests that students might need more experience working with informal solution methods. During the semester, by incorporating open-ended questions, I gained valuable feedback, was able to better model real-world problems, challenge students with different abilities, and strengthen students’ problem solving skills.