Developmental Math

Here's an update to an earlier course profile.

Developmental Math Courses

 • Arithmetic, geometry, pre-algebra, algebra

• Mostly 2 year schools

• Many small sections

• Students test into the course

• Usually non-credit

 • Usually one term

 • 50% drop rate

Instructors

• A few lead instructors - full time

• Many adjuncts - freeway flyers

Students

• Generally struggling in school

• Many non-traditional students

• Resent having to take the class

• Lack basic math skills

• Fear math

Key Challenges

 • Course: Ferocious drop rate

• Instructors: Time, especially for individual attention

• Students: Math skills, motivation, fear, time

Quantitative Literacy

Here's a brief profile of one of my favorite math courses.


Quantitative Literacy Courses
• "Math for real life."
• "The last math course you'll ever take."
• Personal finance, understanding statistics, charts, graphs, ...
• Understanding the news, reading the newspaper, ...
• Primarily 4 year schools
• Viewed as innovative
• Satisfies minimum math requirement

Instructors
• Ph.D. Math professors
• Chose to teach this course

Students
• Often weak math background
• Happy this course if offered, chose to take it

Key Challenges
• Instructors: Time, especially for individual attention
     Selling the course to the administration
• Students: Math skills, fear of math

Math for K-8 Teachers

Math for K-8 Teachers Courses

• Full year course

• Huge books, tons of material

• Taught in Education department

• 4 year schools

• Simple arithmetic through geometry, algebra

• Manipulatives

• Conceptual

• Required for education majors

Instructors

• Ph.D. education (or math) professors

• Tend to like the course

Students

• Future K-8 teachers

• Sophomores, juniors, seniors

• Math skills vary considerably

Key Challenges

• Tons of material

• Students must recognize multiple approaches

• Instructors: Understanding it all, time

• Students: Breadth of material, concepts