Retention Strategies in Math Courses Dr Carrie Tirel

Retention Strategies in Math Courses Dr. Carrie Tirel Assoc. Prof. of Mathematics UW Oshkosh, Fox Cities Campus Rationale: We can (and should) learn from each other! Disclaimer: I do not have a “magic formula!”

Canvas Page Organization § Weekly modules organized chronologically with: § links to CU class sessions and office hours § lecture videos (deadlines on everything!) § assignments, quizzes, etc. § Power. Points from class meetings § Synchronous session recordings § Collaboration Padlet

Synchronous Class Sessions § Slides with humorous memes/cartoons in line with course content § Greet students as they join and ask how they are § Solicit “big ideas” in the chat § True-False polls to gauge conceptual understanding § “Warm-Up” problems as a full group (with student interaction) § Group work in AWWApp culminates in Padlet posts for a collaborative resource § Wrap-up with upcoming deadlines § End session wishing we had another hour

Between Class Sessions § Virtual Office Hours § 1 -2 hours per week per course (during that course’s meeting time) § 2 hours of by-appointment hours broken into 20 -minute slots § students sign up via Canvas calendar § Communication, communication! § respond to emails & Canvas messages ASAP § “Math XXX Updates” announcements at least once a week § individual outreach to students who have been absent or missed assignments § Early Alerts

Building Community & Support Structures Beginning of the semester: § § “About me” video by the instructor (under 3 minutes) Intro Slides submitted by students (5 photos, 3 likes, 3 dislikes) Early Course Feedback Survey (in the second week) Course expectations brainstorm during first class meeting § what do you expect from yourself, your classmates, and your instructor? Ongoing: § § Group activities begin first day of class § Groups change with chapter/unit § Ice-breaker activities when groups are switched Feedback on formative and summative assessments § personal invitation to office hours or one-on-one appointment when struggle is apparent

Overarching Principles* Support Human Connection Flexibility Compassi on *all of which have always been important but seem especially crucial this semester!