Case Studies
Augusta State University
Textbooks in Use with MyMathLab
College Algebra, 7e and 8e, Michael Sullivan
Key Take-Away
Both on-ground and online ASU students benefit from MyMathLab's active learning activities. By accommodating different learning styles and varied levels of preparedness, the program eases math anxiety and enables students to take control of their learning.
Course Implementation
Course Design
College Algebra is delivered both on ground and fully online. The on-ground course includes three hours of lecture per week in a traditional classroom and required MyMathLab homework. The online course includes required discussions via the university’s course management system and MyMathLab homework, quizzes, and tests. Both courses employ a departmental paper-and-pencil final exam.
Assessments
On-ground College Algebra
| 20 percent | Required MyMathLab homework |
| 50 percent | Tests (There are five tests each semester. Tests are paper and pencil and are graded by the instructor.) |
| 30 percent | Departmental final exam (The exam is paper and pencil and is graded by the instructor.) |
Online College Algebra
| 5 percent | Discussion |
| 10 percent | Required MyMathLab homework |
| 10 percent | MyMathLab quizzes |
| 15 percent | MyMathLab tests |
| 60 percent | Departmental final exam (The exam is paper and pencil and is graded by the instructor.) |
Use of MyMathLab
Students in the on-ground College Algebra course use MyMathLab for homework and are encouraged to use its Study Plan and other online resources. Students in the online course use the full breadth of the program: homework, quizzes, tests, Study Plan, videos, and the eBook.
Use of MyMathLab contributes 20 percent to each on-ground student’s final course grade and 35 percent to each online student’s final course grade.
Results and Data
Table 1 and figure 1 compare grade distribution, ABC grades, and drop/fail/withdrawal (D/F/W) rates before and after MyMathLab implementation in on-ground College Algebra courses. Table 2 shows grade distribution after MyMathLab implementation in online College Algebra courses. For both course formats, data indicates significant success in both ABC rates and D/F/W rates. On-ground pass rates increased from 55 percent to 61 percent; and D/F/W rates decreased nearly 25 percent: from 40 percent to 31 percent.
| Grade |
Before MyMathLab Adoption
|
After MyMathLab Adoption
|
|||||||
|
Summer 2005
|
Fall 2006 | Spring 2007 | Fall 2007 |
Spring 2008
|
Summer 2008 | Fall 2008 | Spring 2009 | Fall 2009 | |
| A | 28% | 20% | 12% | 12% | 21% | 28% | 19% | 08% | 20% |
| B | 03% | 14% | 20% | 17.5% | 11% | 36% | 22% | 35% | 17% |
| C | 28% | 17% | 23.5% | 25% | 21% | 12% | 25% | 15% | 17% |
| D | 03% | 00% | 03% | 9% | 07% | 8% | 06% | 08% | 10% |
| D/F/W | 38% | 29% | 41.5% | 36.5% | 39% | 16% | 28% | 35% | 37% |
Table 1. On-Ground College Algebra Grade Distribution and D/F/W Rates before and after MyMathLab Implementation (n=333)
| Grade |
Before MyMathLab Adoption
|
|||
|
Summer 2005
|
Fall 2008 | Summer 2009 | Fall 2009 | |
| A | 0% | 8% | 14% | 14% |
| B | 20% | 0% | 21% | 14% |
| C | 20% | 8% | 14% | 21% |
| D | 13% | 12% | 4% | 7% |
| D/F/W | 47% | 72% | 46% | 43% |
Table 2. Online College Algebra Grade Distribution and D/F/W Rates after MyMathLab Implementation (n=96)
The Student Experience
According to Deltrye Eagle Holt, assistant professor, implementing MyMathLab in on-ground College Algebra shifted the course from the traditional sage-on-the-stage format to one that is more active and student centered. “MyMathLab provides students with immediate feedback and assistance,” she says. “As a result, they get more practice, complete more homework, and appear to experience less math anxiety and frustration.
MyMathLab gives Holt’s students more control over their learning. Because they can review as much as they need to, they better understand the concepts presented in class and are more prepared to move ahead. The program’s multimedia learning aids accommodate every learning style and level of preparedness: fast learners can progress quickly, and those who need additional help can move at a slower pace. Some students may even complete the entire course online.
Conclusions
Holt and other mathematics faculty are pleased with the progress MyMathLab has helped them make across delivery formats. By adding required MyMathLab homework as well as making available the program’s breadth of learning resources, Holt and other faculty are finding that their students are taking control of their learning and experiencing more academic success.
- More students complete homework.
- Students are better prepared for class.
- Pass rates have increased.
- D/F/W rates have decreased.
Augusta State University
| Product Used: | MyMathLab |
| Course Name: | College Algebra |
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
