Course redesign utilizing MyLab Math leads to increased student success
Pearson | October 7, 2021 in Meaningful Outcomes
by Pearson
How MyLab Math contributes to student success
From Fall 2016-Spring 2017, Pearson partnered with Professor Claudean Ellis from Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College in Bowling Green, KY to investigate the impact of MyLab™ Math in MyLabsPlus™ for Prealgebra & Introductory Algebra by Martin-Gay; Beginning & Intermediate Algebra by Martin-Gay; Geometry by Martin-Gay; Emporium Transitional Algebra Workbook: Preparing Students for Success in College Mathematics by the SKYCTC math faculty on student success in her Transitional Algebra course.
Researchers found that:
- After the course was redesigned, the number of students successfully completing their developmental math requirement in a single semester increased 51 percentage points.
- Passing grades increased 16 percentage points and Making Progress grades decreased 15 percentage points.
- Students improved their diagnostic pre-test to post-test scores an average of 47 percentage points.
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Professor Claudean Ellis’s course redesign
Professor Claudean Ellis shares how their newest emporium course, Transitional Algebra, has been designed to address exactly the skills students need based on their program of study. By focusing on success in each college-level course as a primary goal, Ellis was able to streamline the number of objectives that students need to master, thereby eliminating unnecessary content and further reducing the time spent at the developmental level.
How was MyLab Math implemented?
All modules for the Transitional Algebra tracks are delivered through MyLabsPlus using MyLab Math in an emporium format. Learning materials for lessons in each course include a multimedia textbook, an interactive lesson presentation, audio lectures, and other resources in MyLab. Homework may be completed at home, but module diagnostic pre-tests and post-tests are proctored.
- Diagnostic pre-tests: The College Algebra track contains three diagnostic tests. All other tracks provide two diagnostic tests. Only one attempt is allowed and the results determine whether a student must remediate within the modules or may move on to the next diagnostic.
- Module homework: Module homework is personalized based on a student’s diagnostic pre-test results. Each question in this MyLab homework can be worked until the correct answer is found, with no restriction on time or number of attempts.
- Diagnostic post-test: Once students have completed the homework from their MyLab modules and any additional independent review in the Study Plan, they take the diagnostic post-test. Students must earn 80% or higher on the post-test to move forward in their curriculum, but have unlimited attempts to do so.
Were students successful in the course?
After redesigning in Fall 2016 to the Transitional Algebra course with multiple tracks, the data show the following:
- 72% of students earned grades of Passing and completed their developmental required coursework in one semester, as compared to just 21% of students in Fall 2015.
- The percentage of students passing jumped by 16 percentage points, with the Making Progress grades dropping by 15 percentage points.
Did students like using MyLab Math?
In an anonymous, voluntary survey, students commented on the helpfulness of MyLab in their course.
- 93% of responding students said it provided adequate practice to understand concepts.
- 85% of responding students said it prepared them for success in their future courses.
- 83% of responding students said it provided a positive learning experience.
One student said:
“I have always struggled in math, but this course was very helpful and worked well for me. I’m now confident going into my college-level course.”
