Motlow State Community College

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Use of Assessment Results

Spring Semester 2015

Program Title: General Education, Tennessee Transfer Pathway

Course: MATH 1710 – College Algebra/Pre-Calculus I

Expected Student Learning Outcome:

After completing MATH 1710, students will be able to:

a.  Solve problems and determine if the solutions are reasonable. (Questions 1, 2, and 3)

b.  Model real world behaviors and apply mathematical concepts to the solution of real-life problems (Questions 4, 5, and 6)

c.  Make meaningful connections between mathematics and other disciplines (Questions 7, 8, and 9)

d.  Use technology for mathematical reasoning and problem solving (Questions 10, 11, and 12)

e.  Apply mathematical and/or basic statistical reasoning to analyze data and graphs. (Questions 13, 14, and 15)

Performance Measure(s): A pre-test was administered either the first or second day of class and the post-test containing exactly the same questions were embedded in tests prior to the final or as a part of the final exam. (This detail was left to the discretion of the individual instructor). The questions included the following topics: lines, function identification, conic sections, domain and/or range, rational roots/zeros of a polynomial, finding asymptotes, graphing polynomial functions, evaluating logarithms, solving logarithmic and exponential equations, solving matrix equations, solving a non-linear system of equations, solving a system of linear equations, summation and probability.

Effectiveness Standard: Effectiveness is determined according to the following two measures:

1.  The post-test average score will be at least 20 percentage points higher than the pre-test average score.

2.  Each item will have at least 50% correct responses.

Assessment Results:

Results of the pre-test were as follows: (112 students)

Expected Student Learning Outcome / Question number / # of Student Missed the Question / # of Students Answered Question Correctly / Percentage of Students Missed the Question / Percentage of Students Answered Question Correctly
a / 1 / 79 / 33 / 71% / 29%
a / 2 / 83 / 29 / 74% / 26%
a / 3 / 81 / 31 / 72% / 28%
b / 4 / 83 / 29 / 74% / 26%
b / 5 / 81 / 31 / 72% / 28%
b / 6 / 61 / 51 / 54% / 46%
c / 7 / 79 / 33 / 71% / 29%
c / 8 / 67 / 45 / 60% / 40%
c / 9 / 87 / 25 / 78% / 22%
d / 10 / 85 / 27 / 76% / 24%
d / 11 / 87 / 25 / 78% / 22%
d / 12 / 86 / 26 / 77% / 23%
e / 13 / 73 / 39 / 65% / 35%
e / 14 / 81 / 31 / 72% / 28%
e / 15 / 64 / 48 / 57% / 43%

Results of the pre/post-test were as follows: (112 students)

Student Learning Outcome / Question number / % Pre-test Correct / % Post-test Correct / Change in Percentage Points / Was Effective
Standard 1 Met? / Was Effective Standard 2 Met?
a / 1 / 29% / 68% / +39 / Yes / Yes
a / 2 / 26% / 83% / +57 / Yes / Yes
a / 3 / 28% / 67% / +39 / Yes / Yes
b / 4 / 26% / 63% / +37 / Yes / Yes
b / 5 / 28% / 96% / +68 / Yes / Yes
b / 6 / 46% / 76% / +30 / Yes / Yes
c / 7 / 29% / 74% / +45 / Yes / Yes
c / 8 / 40% / 97% / +57 / Yes / Yes
c / 9 / 22% / 61% / +39 / Yes / Yes
d / 10 / 24% / 87% / +63 / Yes / Yes
d / 11 / 22% / 79% / +57 / Yes / Yes
d / 12 / 23% / 93% / +70 / Yes / Yes
e / 13 / 35% / 96% / +61 / Yes / Yes
e / 14 / 28% / 91% / +63 / Yes / Yes
e / 15 / 43% / 85% / +42 / Yes / Yes

Use of Assessment Results:

Based upon the spring 2015 data, each of the effectiveness standards were met for each expected learning outcome assessed. Due to this, it was decided in the fall of 2015 the math department would increase each effectiveness standards for MATH 1710 by 5% respectively.

Based upon the 2013 MATH 1710 data, it was determined that changes in instruction would be needed to better assist students in mastering question 1 and student learning outcome (a), which required students to answer questions pertaining to asymptotes. Between 2013 and 2015, the emphasis in instruction on asymptotes and other concepts addressed in student learning outcome (a) did result in a slight increase in student performance. Despite this instructional change, data from spring 15 indicated that only 68% of students taking the post-test were able to answer question 1 successfully in MATH 1710. Data from the spring 2015 assessment also indicated that only 63% of the students taking the post-test were able to successfully answer question 4, which aligned with student learning outcome (b). In an effort to increase student performance on these learning outcomes, it was decided that an instructional video using an IPAD would be created. With help from the chair, faculty, and the academic assessment specialist, a video using an IPAD will be created explaining how to recognize and solve asymptotes, solve questions pertaining to circles, and how to use these skills to solve real world issues. This video will be placed on D2L and will be accessible to all faculty to use as a supplemental form of instruction. The video will also be placed on the Apple Cloud for students to view. Please refer to the time line listed below:

Action Plan / Person (s) Responsible / Deadline
A video will be created to provide explicit instructions pertaining to student learning outcomes (a) and (b). / Department Chair, Academic Assessment Specialist, and Math Faculty / September 28, 2015
Math Faculty will review the video to ensure that instruction aligns with the desired outcomes. / Department Chair and Math Faculty / October 1, 2015
The video will be placed on a D2L shell for faculty to use for supplemental instructional material. / Department Chair and Academic Assessment Specialist / October 12, 2015
The video will be uploaded to the Cloud for students to view. / Department Chair / October 16, 2015

Assessment Instrument: Pre/Post-test for MATH 1710