The Developmental
Mathematics Department:
Acceleration
and Self-Paced Initiatives
Prof. Linda Kass Prof. Melanie Walker Bergen Community College Paramus, NJ
Acceleration at Bergen Community College Developmental Math
1. Initiating 2. Sustaining 3. Expanding
Developmental Math
Accelerated Algebra Courses � Courses were created in conjunction with
all department chairs � Placement into these courses depends on
the students’ major not a placement score
� There are two tracks of algebra that student can now follow
Developmental Math
Content of Courses
� MAT-040 Algebra for Liberal Arts is an algebra course for students whose program of study does not require the completion of MAT – 160 Intermediate Algebra and whose placement score indicates a need for a review of basic algebra. Topics include signed numbers, variables, integral exponents, linear equations and problem solving, graphing equations, systems of equations and exponents and polynomials.
Algebra Content
� MAT 048 Algebra is a basic algebra course for students whose placement examination indicates a need for review in algebra and whose program of study requires the completion of MAT 160 – Intermediate Algebra. Topics include signed numbers, variables, literal equations and formulas, square roots, integral exponents, polynomials, linear and quadratic equations, rational expressions, and inequalities
Algebra Content
� MAT 044 Algebra Topics is an algebra course for students who have completed MAT 040 and whose program of study requires the completion of MAT 160 – Intermediate Algebra. Topics include integral exponents, polynomials, rational expressions, square roots and quadratic and absolute value equations.
Algebra Content
Two Semester Track) � Offer traditional, self-paced and online
courses
MAT-011, 040/048 …. Completes Developmental requirement in 2 semesters
Accelerated Mathematics at BCC
One Semester Track (2 Separate Courses) � Offer self-paced and online accelerated
basic Arithmetic/Algebra courses
MAT-012; ( 6 weeks) Late start O40 Completes Developmental requirement in 1 semester
Accelerated Mathematics at BCC
One Semester Track (Flexible Approach) Guided Self Paced Mastery Math Program Mat 011 and 040/048 Students are now able to complete Developmental requirement in 1 semester
l
Accelerated Mathematics at BCC
Emporium Style Guided Self-Paced Mastery 2 Large Computer HUB Centers � 72 Student Stations � Accommodates two
class sections of 24 each; One class section of 24 students
� 3 professors � 3 student tutors
Large Annex Center � 30 Student stations � Allows for drop-ins and
separate testing area � Open six days a week � Staffed by 1 full time
and 1 part time supervisor
TESTING CENTER � 24 stations � Testing supervisor
Developmental Math
Guided Self-Paced Mastery Learning HUB � 24 students in a class meeting twice a week with
the same professor; 3 credits, 4 credits, 5 credits � Video homework relating to each homework � Video notes related to each video � Mastery to move from one homework assignment
to next � Mastery on test section Quiz; � Customized HW section based on the quiz � Post-test password needed, mastery � Guided Homework and test completion dates
Developmental Math
MATH HUB OBJECTIVES � Mastery of competencies – Not just self-
paced � Accommodation of learning styles; videos,
power points � On-demand individual assistance � Immediate feedback on tests and homework � Opportunity for acceleration or remediation � Flexible scheduling accommodations � Manages “Math Anxiety”
Developmental Math
Cost Savings for Students � Students are able to complete more than
one developmental math course in one term if motivated.
� Students are able to begin the next semester where they left off.
� Students can adjust schedule to suit life changes instead of withdrawing from the course.
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Final Thoughts � Assessing Success
� Student Retention � Success in College level classes
� First In the World Grant
Developmental Math
Bergen Community College � Professor Linda Kass; [email protected] � Professor Melanie Walker;
Developmental Math