DMC Meeting November 1 2007
Equity Enabling Ideas (brainstorm)
These ideas were generated by the 48 people attending the DMC meeting, as part of the "Equal Opportunity and Equity" presention. The ideas are listed here (as written by each person), under the one of the three subcommittees of the DMC that relate to the idea.
Content, Retention, and Assessment
All students will have the opportunity to learn how to learn mathematics
Better counseling
More time on tests
Multiple modes of assessment
Constantly reassure and build up students
Offer more courses which may be geared toward students in their individual program
Placement: Students not always placed correctly; for example, one bad test day does not imply a student is really weak in arithmetic skills
Patience
Belief that everyone has the opportunity to succeed
Measure success by success in further courses
Students entering … complete developmental course work asap before other courses
Less material, more time
Faculty Development
Division dedication and focus (all instructors focus on developmental classes)
Have a goal for equal exposure to all students, but reality/balance that not all will succeed
Get to know students one-on-one
Make students visit instructors at least once a semester; personal touch helps motivate students
Address sarcasm of faculty toward developmental classes
Faculty need support and training to implement appropriate technology
Ability to succeed depends on several factors (generalized): student commitment & attendance, educational background, current workload, placement by college, level of immersion into college culture
Instruction and Technology
Positive attitude needed: both DEV faculty and students
Students need access 24/7 (technology); visual, auditory modes needed
Applications the students can relate to
Extra directed tutoring; guidance
Differentiation of instruction; a SAFE classroom environment where it’s OKAY to make mistakes; curriculum that provides connections to real world!
Be pro-active with support: TEACH STUDY SKILLS
Require study skills if test very low (class or seminar)
Individual attention to all students
Student-active strategies; activity-based investigations requiring critical thinking
Flexibility in scheduling; self-paced classroom? Try to understand their problems (transportation, family, etc)
Varied methods of instruction
POSITIVE ATTITUDE REQUIRED
Teachers can demonstrate hard work to students by throwing out calculator and beginning to teach BASICS!
What is role of community college in teaching fractions? (Calculator interfere?)
Back To Equal Opportunity and Equity Presentation
Jack Rotman
November 2007