This semester, the mathematics department is initiating a program to ensure students do their homework.
The department is restructuring Math 1021 to resemble the nationally successful Road 2 Redesign program.
“The math department began looking into the R2R program about a year ago as a way to address the disproportionate number of instructors we had in the department,” said Jimmie Lawson, chair of the College Algebra 1021 redesign committee.
Instead of the traditional classroom setting, the redesigned three-hour Math 1021 course will require students to attend class for only one hour per week. The other two hours of class will come from time spent in a computer lab working problems.
“The practice students endure is what makes the program so successful,” said George Cochran, associate chair for instruction in mathematics. “The lab requirement compels students to sit down and do the math on a regular basis. Math is like learning to play the piano. If you don’t sit down and practice, you’re never going to learn anything.”
In the program, instructors remain in the lab to provide guidance if students need it. Students receive further guidance from the computers that provide step-by-step assistance through videos and detailed notes.
During the weekly classroom instruction times — dubbed “focus groups”— instructors make sure each student knows the assignments for the week and answers any questions students may have.
Eventually, the math department plans to convert all Math 1021 sections into the R2R format. This semester, seven sections will use the new format as part of a pilot program.
“By next fall, we should have close to 1,000 students using the software,” said Phoebe Rouse, math instructor and member of the redesign committee.
More sections will be added as more lab space becomes available.
“This program has been successful at other universities like the University of Idaho and the University of Alabama,” Rouse said. “Students have reported that while this program doesn’t necessarily make them like math anymore, it does improve their ability to perform,” Rouse said.
Last semester, 700 students used the software as part of an inaugural test. A poll after the test program found that after some initial grumbling, 80 percent of students said the R2R software helped them learn the math, and it helped improve their grade in the class.
“I liked the software, and it helped me when the tests came around,” said Donnesha Clayton, a biology major who participated in the test.
Paul Ivey, associate dean of University College for Freshman Year, said he feels confident students will learn algebra better under the R2R program.
“The math department has done its homework, and they feel this program is the best way to benefit students,” he said.