Polya Mathematics LabPolya Mathematics Lab

A Behaviorist Approach

Design Proposal

A Behaviorist Approach

Design ProposalBy Deepak Kumar

Adam Royalty Edmund Shen

By Deepak Kumar Adam Royalty Edmund Shen

BackgroundBackground

College algebra taught onlineStudents meet in a focus group weeklyStreaming video lecturesHomework done on CourseCompassThree computer tests a semesterOne written final

College algebra taught onlineStudents meet in a focus group weeklyStreaming video lecturesHomework done on CourseCompassThree computer tests a semesterOne written final

Learning ProblemLearning Problem Students have difficulty factoring

higher degree polynomials

If students do not master the prerequisite skills, they cannot develop the higher order intellectual skills.

Students have difficulty factoring higher degree polynomials

If students do not master the prerequisite skills, they cannot develop the higher order intellectual skills.

Design PrincipalDesign Principal

(b5) “Tests of students’ achievement in acquiring routine information and skill can be constructed by analyzing the procedures and information to be acquired and construction items that assess students’ knowledge of the components.” (Greeno, 27)

(b5) “Tests of students’ achievement in acquiring routine information and skill can be constructed by analyzing the procedures and information to be acquired and construction items that assess students’ knowledge of the components.” (Greeno, 27)

The AimThe Aim

To determine what components of the learning hierarchy students have not mastered

To determine what components of the learning hierarchy students have not mastered

Proposed StudyProposed Study

Math 143 studentsEvery focus group1 Year2 measurements per semester2-5 question on each segment of the

learning hierarchy

Math 143 studentsEvery focus group1 Year2 measurements per semester2-5 question on each segment of the

learning hierarchy

MethodologyMethodology

• Written test • Test will start with highest level

skills and move down the hierarchy

• Different types of questions for each level

• Written test • Test will start with highest level

skills and move down the hierarchy

• Different types of questions for each level

Higher Degree PolynomialsHigher Degree Polynomials

Implications and SolutionsImplications and Solutions

Understanding of what components students struggle with

Understanding of what components students struggle with

More practice problems in the areas that students are weakest

More practice problems in the areas that students are weakest

The EndThe End