Beyond Formulas: Utilizing Workplace Application Modules toEnhance Introductory Mathematics Courses

这个超越公式的项目正在开发全面的、跨学科的工作场所应用模块，作为对现有数学课程材料的增强。通过向学生提出具有挑战性的、基于工作的问题，这些单元展示了抽象概念与现实世界的相关性，从而帮助学生提高对数学的理解和态度。反过来，通过有意义的例子和引人入胜的活动，该项目正在提高学生的批判性思维和直觉能力--不仅仅是死记硬背公式--以帮助学生更有效地解决问题和做出决定，成为一个高科技工作场所的未来员工。模块包括五个学习领域：代数、统计学、三角学、微积分预科和微积分。每个模块都让学生接触到与工作场所相关的场景和案例研究，让学生参与抽象推理和询问过程，提供与案例研究相关的行业概述，并将数学理论整合到行业背景中。单元活动包括合作学习；解决数学问题；利用技术；使用数据、测量、模型和因果图；书面作业；和陈述。模块正在由来自其他两年制学院的大学数学教师和来自马纳蒂社区学院的一名外部评估员进行试点测试、评估和修订。学生对学习目标的实现、成绩的提高以及态度和观念的改变都被用作项目有效性的指标。教职员工也在进行定性评估。开发的材料和成果正在地方、全州和全国范围内传播，以最大限度地发挥项目的影响。

This project Beyond Formulas is developing holistic, interdisciplinary Workplace Application Modules as enhancements to existing mathematics curricular materials. By presenting students with challenging, work-based problems, these modules demonstrate the relevance of abstract concepts to the real-world, thereby helping students improve both their understanding of and attitude toward mathematics. In turn, by making mathematics real to students through meaningful examples and engaging activities, the project is increasing critical-thinking and intuitive abilities - beyond rote memorization of formulas - to help students more effectively solve problems and make decisions as future employees in a highly technological workplace. Modules comprise five areas of study: algebra, statistics, trigonometry, precalculus, and calculus. Each module is exposing students to workplace-relevant scenarios and case studies that engage the students in abstract reasoning and the process of inquiry, provide overviews of industries on which case studies relate, and integrate mathematical theory within the industrial context. Module activities include cooperative learning; mathematical problem-solving; utilization of technology; use of data, measurement, models, and cause and effect diagrams; written assignments; and presentations. Modules are being pilot-tested, evaluated and revised by College mathematics faculty from other two-year colleges and an external evaluator from Manatee Community College. Student attainment of learning objectives, improved performance, and changes in attitudes and perceptions are being used as indicators of project effectiveness. Qualitative evaluations by faculty are also being conducted. Developed materials and results are being disseminated locally, statewide and nationally to maximize project impact.