Assessment Plan on College Algebra - Research Paper Example

Assessment Plan on College Algebra The paper aims at analyzing the learning outcomes in the area of college algebra, and also developing an assessment plan to enhance the understanding of college algebra. The student learning outcomes are generated through accumulated academic competencies that include; knowledge, attitude and skills of the students. These academic competencies are developed through the academic study process. Learning outcomes entails wider aspects of program that include wider elements; for instance, graduation levels, faculty levels academic publications, and eventually job placement (Hitchcock, 2011). The learning outcomes in the area of algebra aim at addressing five key issues. Firstly, the learning outcome must illustrate fundamental results of the algebra study. The program must address what is important or significant in the algebra field of study. Secondly, the learning outcome should illustrate the activities that the students are engaged in; for instance, the type of mathematical calculations involved in algebra studies. The learning outcomes must enable the students to apply the knowledge acquired; for instance, using the algebra knowledge to analyze experiment results. The learning outcome must have a time frame for realizing specific goals. The most appropriate timeframe for evaluation is at the end of every one year in college. The learning outcomes should be specific and also measurable (Spooner, 2007). Three categories of learning outcomes are applied in algebra course. The outcomes are skills, attitude and knowledge. Knowledge outcome illustrates discipline methods and processes. The students are expected to understand algebraic formulas and expressions; and then apply them to solve mathematical and scientific questions and problems. Students have adequate knowledge through correct and effective application of the formulas and expressions. The skills outcome illustrates the approaches needed to effectively understand the algebra discipline. An effective algebra course equips the learners with adequate knowledge of skills such as; critical thinking, research and communication (Boyer, 2011). Critical thinking enables students to analyze mathematical problems, and then illustrate the most appropriate solution for the problem. Research skills enables the student to adequately collect, analyze and present statistical information, during research projects. The communication skills of the students are enhanced because the ability to present and share information on statistical issues is enhanced. Attitude outcome addresses the appreciation of the algebra concepts by the students. The students must understand the importance, and the application, of algebra in the society. The algebra concepts are applicable in many work environments for instance, engineering and finance. The algebra is also greatly applied in research; for example, quantitative research in projects, and also in marketing research or new product development research (Donald, 2004). Enhancing the Effectiveness of College Algebra The college algebra should be made effective, so as to act as a quantitative literacy base course. The enhanced algebra academic course should concentrate greatly on the concepts of modeling, data analysis and also functions. Modeling entails effective application of algebra concepts in design applications; for instance, programming language development, and also modeling of scientific applications. Data analysis involves adequate understanding of statistical information. Statistical information is very necessary during research projects that are conducted by the students at the end of their study course (Ziauddin, 2009). Functions entail the effective application of algebraic expressions in various disciplines and occupations. For example, the algebraic functions are greatly applied in engineering studies. Improved algebra must illustrate effective communication skills, appropriate technology, and also the group projects. The students should be able to adequately inform other parties, on the algebraic applications; for example, effectively communicating the quantitative research findings to peers and other interested research parties. Algebra courses must embrace modern technology. The modern technology includes internet applications that enhance the understanding of algebra. The algebra programs provide step by step analysis of how to solve algebraic problems. Students can therefore understand algebra better, if they use the online algebra guide programs. Group projects enable the learners to effectively share information on algebra solutions. Solving algebra issues as a team greatly enhances understanding. Students with strong understanding can assist other team members, and hence, the overall understanding of algebra will improve (George, 2007). The main objective of the algebra courses entails enhancing the confidence of the students in the capabilities of solving quantitative problems in day to day activities. The activities entail addressing quantitative challenges at the workplace, project research and also academics. This goal illustrates the significance of the interdisciplinary cooperation, during the development and the ongoing evaluation of the algebra course (John, 2005). Interdisciplinary cooperation is necessary because algebraic concepts are applicable to diverse study disciplines, which include sciences, finance, business management, medicine and engineering. The cooperation involves the links that, which other disciplines can use in the solution identification processes. College algebra integrates with college discipline to generate problem solving concepts that apply in the entire academic careers of the students. Improving the effectiveness of college algebra has several benefits. College algebra is effectively integrated in the college curriculum; hence, the course serves many students than the other related disciplines. Using college algebra as the base discipline in quantitative literacy enables the development of extra faculty support. The continuously increasing parallel movements to enhance college algebra and to initiate the quantitative literacy programs should effectively reinforce each other (Struik, 2007). Assessing the Impact of the Algebra Plan All algebra instructors must possess adequate competencies in evaluating the effectiveness of the algebra learning plan. Students are generally more likely to be successful in programs where the tutors have effective assessment plans. The plans act as a guideline and measure to illustrate if the objectives of the algebra programs are being achieved or not. The assessment criteria entail seven major concepts; the concepts are standards, goals, agenda, instructional support, reflection, and final evaluation (Ziauddin, 2009). The algebra standard should be in line with the national requirements; for instance, the Algebra and Mathematical Association of America. Adhering to national standards enables the algebra course to be in line with the emerging trends, such as the online algebra tutor. The algebra course must possess adequate goals. The goals illustrate the expectations to be achieved upon completion. The goals enable both the learners and the tutors to measure their performance against the set benchmarks. Therefore, goals are very critical during the assessment process. The anticipatory issues enable both the students and the instructors to integrate prior knowledge with emerging knowledge on the area of algebra. This gives the learner adequate overview of the concept development in the algebra discipline (Boyer, 2011). The agenda for each algebra lesson should be effectively illustrated. One agenda entails previewing previous knowledge. This enables the learners to understand the historical development processes and applications of the algebra expressions. The second agenda entails applying algebraic expressions to the appropriate scenario; for instance, in an engineering product development process. The instructional support concept determines the most effective technology or material in algebra learning. Presently, there is the online algebra tutoring programs that enables easy understanding of the concepts. Reflection is also very important during the learning process (Spooner, 2007). The concept enables the student s to understand the challenges experienced when finding solutions for the algebra concepts. Reflection also illustrates the most appropriate strategy for handling algebraic expressions, and integrating the concepts with other related disciplines such as mathematics, statistic and engineering. Algebraic course evaluation aims at determining if the course aim was achieved. The evaluation is divided into two parts; formative and summative evaluation. The formative evaluation is conducted periodically; through algebra quizzes and projects. The algebra projects illustrate effective application approaches. Summative evaluation test entails a comprehensive examination of the algebra course. The summative examination normally entails the application aspects of the course. The algebra course is effective, if the students can adequately apply algebra concepts (Struik, 2007). References Boyer, B. (2011). A History of Mathematics, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Boyer, B. (2011). A History of Mathematics. NY: Wiley. Donald, R. (2004). Islamic Science and Engineering. Edinburgh University Press. George, J. (2007). The Crest of the Peacock: Non-European Roots of Algebra. London: SAGE Publications. Hamilton, Reeve. (2012). "New Way to Tackle Algebra". The New York Times. Hitchcock, C. (2001). “Balanced instructional support and challenge in universally designed learning environments.” Journal of Special Education Technology, 16, 23-30. John, J. (2005). History Topics: Algebra Index. University of St Andrews. Spooner, F. (2007). “Effects of training in universal design for learning on lesson plan development.” Remedial and Special Education, 28(2), 108-116. Struik, J. (2007). A Concise History of Algebra. New York: Dover Publications. Ziauddin, S. (2009). Introducing Mathematics. NY: Penguin. Read More