Mathematics

Computer-based Developmental Mathematics

Computer-based developmental mathematics is a class for MATH 097, MATH 098, or MATH 099 students. This class meets in a classroom equipped with computers. The instructor facilitates on an individual and small group basis, meeting the changing needs of the students. Students work with interactive software in this setting, completing homework and assessments on the computer. Because students work at their own pace, full-time students may complete more than one level of developmental mathematics in one semester. Students need some basic computer knowledge for these math courses. The instructor requests that you wait until after the first class meeting to purchase your textbook.

All students must be enrolled full-time as of the 14th class day in order to complete more than one level of developmental mathematics in one semester. (Financial aid students must be enrolled full-time as of the 14th class day AND the date aid is disbursed in order to complete more than one level of developmental mathematics in one semester.)

Choose computer-based developmental mathematics if you:

  • are self-motivated and work well on your own;
  • want to complete more than one level of developmental mathematics in one semester and are a full-time student;
  • prefer to review a textbook on your own rather than having the material presented by an instructor;
  • need frequent self-checks for learning the material;
  • need only to review prerequisites necessary for college algebra; and
  • have some basic computer knowledge and prefer to work on the computer.

Hybrid College Algebra (MATH 102)

This course is a combination of classroom and online learning. All of the instructional material is online but attendance in class is required. Two of the three class meetings will be in a lab environment to give the student the opportunity for one-on-one assistance. The third class meeting will be in a traditional classroom setting where topics will be discussed and questions will be answered. Textbook is College Algebra by Trigsted.

Lecture-style MATH 098 and MATH 099 in one semester

This model consists of a 16-week term that meets six hours per week. During the first eight weeks, students will master MATH 098 objectives through traditional lecture-style teaching using MyMathLab for supplemental instruction. The Learning Center will offer tutoring services for students needing additional instruction. Students will take a final exam. Students passing MATH 098 may continue the last eight weeks of the term in MATH 099 following the same teaching plan.

This model allows student to take one developmental course over an 8-week period. It also gives them the opportunity to complete two developmental courses in one semester.

All students must be enrolled full-time as of the 14th class day in order to complete more than one level of developmental mathematics in one semester. (Financial aid students must be enrolled full-time as of the 14th class day AND the date aid is disbursed in order to complete more than one level of developmental mathematics in one semester.)

QEP Mathematics Courses

BPCC’s Quality Enhancement Plan is “Enhancing Student Learning and Engagement in High Risk Mathematics.” BPCC’s goal for the QEP is to improve student learning and engagement in developmental mathematics courses. The Quality Enhancement Plan for teaching developmental mathematics consists of three unique teaching models. They are as follows:

Developmental Mathematics with Supplemental Computer Lab
This model consists of teacher-directed instruction combined with a one hour supplemental lab experience using MyMathLab. Two sections of MATH 097, MATH 098, and MATH 099 are offered consisting of three hours of lecture and one hour of lab. Instructors will direct the lab experience.

Choose developmental mathematics with supplemental computer lab if you:

  • prefer traditional lecture method;
  • need an instructor to assist you with your computer assignments; and
  • are able to attend class four hours per week.

Lecture-style MATH 097 and MATH 098 in one semester
This model consists of a 16-week term that meets six hours per week. During the first eight weeks, students will master MATH 097 objectives through traditional lecture-style teaching using MyMathLab for supplemental instruction. The Learning Center will offer tutoring services for students needing additional instruction. Students will take a final exam. Students passing MATH 097 may continue the last eight weeks of the term in MATH 098 following the same teaching plan.

This model allows student to take one developmental course over an 8-week period. It also gives them the opportunity to complete two developmental courses in one semester.

All students must be enrolled full-time as of the 14th class day in order to complete more than one level of developmental mathematics in one semester. (Financial aid students must be enrolled full-time as of the 14th class day AND the date aid is disbursed in order to complete more than one level of developmental mathematics in one semester.)

LAMP: Learning-Outcomes Achieved at Mastery Proficiency
A major problem facing developmental mathematics instruction that adds to the failure rate is that mathematics concepts build upon one another. When students fail to understand concepts in the first chapter, they are still required to move on to the next chapter. Mastery learning is desirous in developmental math courses. Students are required to demonstrate competency in specified cognitive skills, which can be used to document learning. The outlines of the characteristics of instruction in mastery learning programs:

  • Instruction expectations about the course outcomes are clearly defined and communicated to students
  • The course is divided into sequential organized units in which prerequisites are addressed before more complicated material is covered
  • The instructor regularly evaluates student progress against stated learning concepts and provides further corrective instruction as needed to bring students to mastery.

For more information about LAMP courses, visit the General Catalog.