Course redesign utilizing MyLab Math contributes to increased engagement
Pearson | December 10, 2021 in Meaningful Outcomes
by Pearson
Course redesign utilizing MyLab Math positively impacts instructor and student engagement
In Spring 2017, Kim Gregor and Kathy Vezmar, instructors and department chairs at the Wilmington and Owens campuses of Delaware Technical Community College (DTCC), embarked on a course redesign utilizing MyLab™ Math in MyLabsPlus™ for Beginning and Intermediate Algebra by Martin-Gay in their Elementary Algebra courses.
Key findings included:
- On average, 77 percent of students who attempted chapter tests passed them.
- Chapter quizzes and corresponding chapter tests show strong and moderately strong correlations.
- Faculty using the MyLab dashboard are alerted to at-risk student behavior, motivating them to engage students just in time and help lead them to success.
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Why did faculty redesign their Elementary Algebra course?
Kim Gregor and Kathy Vezmar are long time users of MyLab Math. Years ago, DTCC’s developmental math courses were offered in a hybrid format. While results were fairly good, they chose to adopt an emporium format with no deadlines, unlimited attempts on assignments, and little instructor contact. This led to courses becoming lengthy and students earning failing grades, which prompted the return to a hybrid format including new features available in MyLab with the hopes of increased instructor and student engagement and increased pass rates.
How was the course redesigned?
They reorganized course objectives, adopted a new textbook, built an associated MyLab course, and incorporated a new system for identifying at-risk students using the MyLab dashboard. Major changes include:
Students attend classes that are half lecture and half lab. According to Gregor, class days usually begin with a review of the previous homework, a 40-minute lecture, and perhaps a bit of review or an activity, such as a worksheet, time permitting. Once students are in front of their computers, they work on MyLab homework, quizzes, or tests.
Homework is assigned by section and students must earn at least 60 percent in order to advance to the next homework. They have unlimited attempts with all learning aids turned on.
Students failing to earn at least 75 percent on the proctored chapter test are directed to complete the Companion Study Plan (CSP) in MyLab. Successful completion at 80 percent or higher allows the students to retake the chapter test, either on MyLab or pencil and paper.
Due dates have been added on all assignments.
Students passing all assessments in no more than two attempts can have their final exam waived.
Use of two MyLab dashboards provides a way to compile student data from multiple courses and sections which leads to early intervention with struggling students.
Were students successful in the course?
Correlations were used to examine the relationship between chapter quiz performance and corresponding chapter test performance.
Data shows strong correlations found for nearly all chapter quizzes and chapter tests.
Student performance on chapter tests was also analyzed.
The data show that, on average, approximately 9 percent of students did not take tests.
For those students who did attempt chapter tests, 82 percent passed them.
Did students like using MyLab Math?
Students in DTCC’s Elementary Algebra course were asked to complete an end-of-semester survey to share their perspectives on MyLab Math. Open-ended responses included:
“[MyLab Math] helped to fill in on areas I wasn’t sure of with the ‘View an Example’ and ‘Help Me Solve This’ features.”
“[MyLab Math] allowed me to access my homework and study anywhere, anytime.”
