Adapting to Trig: Using the ALEKS Adaptive Technology to Improve Students’ Learning and Retention in A College Trigonometry Course
Session Format
Conference Session (20 minutes)
Location
Room 212
Abstract for the conference program
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Georgia State University has recently introduced the MATH 1112 “College Trigonometry” course designed to prepare students in several STEM majors for Calculus courses. This project received STEM funds to introduce the paradigm of individualized adaptive learning, offered by the ALEKS online platform, into teaching of College Trigonometry at GSU. The key objectives of the proposed work are:
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To incorporate the ALEKS adaptive learning technology into the College Trigonometry course. The project team designed a comprehensive course program that included both trigonometry topics and review topics necessary for students’ success in the current and future courses. By its inherent design, ALEKS software automatically generated individualized learning paths for each student, reintroducing earlier topics and review topics as necessary.
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To facilitate self directed learning initiatives by capitalizing on the adaptive nature of ALEKS’s individualized learning paths, which places more responsibility on students to plan their work outside of class. We offered students additional guidance and tutoring support by making a lab space with a dedicated GTA available to them.
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To enhance the use of technology in the course by developing supplemental demonstrations using CAS.
At all stages, we collected both qualitative and quantitative data on students’ learning and attitudes.
Proposal Track
Research Project
Start Date
3-4-2017 1:00 PM
End Date
3-4-2017 1:30 PM
Recommended Citation
Chahine, Iman C.; Grinshpon, Mark; Fanoe, Andrew; Mansion, Kimbeni; and Parnass, Caroline, "Adapting to Trig: Using the ALEKS Adaptive Technology to Improve Students’ Learning and Retention in A College Trigonometry Course" (2017). Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Learning Conference (2012-2019). 35.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/stem/2017/2017/35
Adapting to Trig: Using the ALEKS Adaptive Technology to Improve Students’ Learning and Retention in A College Trigonometry Course
Room 212
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Georgia State University has recently introduced the MATH 1112 “College Trigonometry” course designed to prepare students in several STEM majors for Calculus courses. This project received STEM funds to introduce the paradigm of individualized adaptive learning, offered by the ALEKS online platform, into teaching of College Trigonometry at GSU. The key objectives of the proposed work are:
-
To incorporate the ALEKS adaptive learning technology into the College Trigonometry course. The project team designed a comprehensive course program that included both trigonometry topics and review topics necessary for students’ success in the current and future courses. By its inherent design, ALEKS software automatically generated individualized learning paths for each student, reintroducing earlier topics and review topics as necessary.
-
To facilitate self directed learning initiatives by capitalizing on the adaptive nature of ALEKS’s individualized learning paths, which places more responsibility on students to plan their work outside of class. We offered students additional guidance and tutoring support by making a lab space with a dedicated GTA available to them.
-
To enhance the use of technology in the course by developing supplemental demonstrations using CAS.
At all stages, we collected both qualitative and quantitative data on students’ learning and attitudes.
