The Math Center An Overview SelfPaced Math 081

The Math Center “An Overview” Self-Paced Math 081 and Math 082 Created By Calvin Hales Edited By Alberta Latorre

Math Center Courses The courses offered in the Math Center are self -paced Math 081 and self-paced Math 082. MATH 081 - Pre. Algebra Key Review Topics: integers, fractions, percent Key Algebra Topics: algebraic expressions, multi-step equations, inequalities, formulas, proportions, lines, slope, graphing MATH 082 – Introductory Algebra Key Topics: algebraic expressions, multi-step equations, inequalities, linear equations, graphing, systems of linear equations, exponents, polynomial operations, factoring polynomials

Lecture versus Self-Paced Math Center courses are Self-Paced (not lecture) Lecture Traditional instructional approach. Self-Paced Non-traditional instructional approach. Instructor teaches the course content Instructor defines each student’s individual study plan to the entire class. and provides individual help and guidance as needed. Students learn the course material independently using that is presented by the instructor in print resources and a Blackboard course with videos lecture format. that can be re-watched as often as necessary. All students work through the material at the same pace as determined by the instructor. Each student works at his/her own pace, moving quickly through topics that are easy and spending more time on topics that are challenging. All students cover the same material Students can “test out” of chapters if they already and take the same tests. know the material. As a result, chapters to study and tests to take may vary for each student. All students take tests on the same Students take tests as they complete each chapter. date as determined by the instructor. The student decides when he/she is ready for the test. Students have just one chance at each test. Students retake tests as necessary until a passing grade is earned.

Diagnostic Test Diagnostic Review Materials Help students prepare for the Diagnostic Test Use to brush up on familiar topics Not intended as a “crash course” - do not try to study and learn all the material Diagnostic Test Not graded Purpose – to assess the student’s current knowledge of the course content Advantage – allows the student to “test out” of course topics they already know The results determine what chapters of the book the student must complete

Success Schedule A tan-colored form used to record the student’s individual program of study Based on the results of the Diagnostic Test Specifies which chapters of the book the student must complete Provides due dates for completion of chapters Golden Rule: The student should always be up-to-date or ahead of the time line specified on the Success Schedule; this helps to assure course completion Form travels with the student

Self-Directed Learning Students are responsible for learning the material listed on their Success Schedule. Students use print and electronic resources to work individually through one chapter at a time. Students take a test after they complete each chapter to determine if they have mastered the material. Students must also work outside of class (6 hours per week) in order to achieve success and to stay on schedule.

Instructional Materials Print Materials Textbook – a hard copy can be purchased at the bookstore Practice Work – drill sheets, practice tests, and homework are in the file cabinets in the classroom Electronic Materials - Black. Board course Contains the entire textbook, videos, and practice material Can be accessed both on and off campus Other Resources Calculators may be used. Cell phones are not allowed (not even as calculators)

Tests MATH 081 MATH 082 13 14 Section Tests Final Exam Chapter Tests Final Exam

Check-Out Form Green-colored form used to keep track of tests taken. For each test taken, the student writes his/her initials and date on the form. For each test taken, the instructor writes his/her initials and test version (A, B, C, D) on the form. If the student passes the test, the instructor places a in the last column.

Testing Procedures Complete the green Check-Out Form and submit it to the instructor to get your test. Sit at a table in the center of the room to take the test. A calculator (not cell phone) may be used. DO NOT BRING ANY OTHER MATERIALS TO THE TESTING TABLE. All work must be shown to earn credit. If scratch paper is used, it must be stapled to the test. Tests must be started and completed during the same class period. STUDENTS MAY NOT TAKE TESTS OUT OF THE ROOM, NOT EVEN TESTS THAT HAVE BEEN GRADED.

Minimum Passing Test Scores MATH 081 MATH 082 Section Tests 80% Chapter Tests 80% Final Exam 70%

Re-Testing If a passing score is not earned, the student should identify his/her errors, complete additional review work, and seek help if needed. Then the student must take another version of that test until a passing grade is achieved. The grades of all the different forms taken are averaged. The student does not move on to the next chapter until a passing score is earned.

Student Resources for Help Textbook (hard copy or online) Videos Drill Sheets Practice Tests Homework Instructor Office Hours Math Center Tutor Math Department Faculty Tutors Student Success Center Tutors

Attendance Policy Students are expected to attend all classes, to arrive on time, and to stay until the end of class. Attendance is taken every class session. Students who are failing because of poor attendance are identified. The names and attendance records of students with poor attendance may be shared with CCBC and with government financial aid officials.

Course Grades Successful completion of the course requires passing all assigned tests AND the final exam. Letter Grade Course % A 90 – 100 B 80 – 89 C Less than 80 F Failure - Course not completed FX Failure due to non -attendance

Repeating a Course Students must complete the course they are enrolled in this semester. Not completing Math 081 or Math 082 in one semester is considered a failure by government standards. Students who do not complete the course must register and pay for another semester of the course.

Acceleration Math 081 Students who finish 081 before the end of the semester can begin 082 course work in the same class. If the student also finishes 082 by the end of the semester, the student will register and pay for 082 at that point. If the student does not finish 082 by the end of the semester, the student will register and pay for 082 the following semester and continue from where he/she left off. Math 082 Students who finish 082 by mid-semester can register for a late start class of 083, 125, or 153.

Getting Ready for the Road Ahead Current Class: MATH 081 Self-Paced Current Class: MATH 082 (there are lecture & online options too, but not in the Math Center) Non-Credit Next Class: MATH 082 Self-Paced (there are lecture & online options too, but not in the Math Center) Non-Credit Next Class: MATH 083 or MATH 125 or MATH 153 Self-Paced, Lecture, or Online Lecture or Online (no self-paced option) Non Credit MATH 083 - Non Credit MATH 125 & MATH 153 - Credit Course required depends on college major.

Conclusion “Tips for Success” Be prepared for every class: bring paper, pencil, and calculator. Be on time for every class. Be organized. Be ready to test or ask questions early in the class. Study prior to class. Be well documented: show all work when doing problems. Be aware of Success Schedule dates and try to follow them.