Math Assessment
In collaboration with Mathematics and Applied Mathematics faculty, the ALEE Center conducted course learning outcomes assessment in all foundational math courses that first- and second-year UCSC students take, both to fulfill the GE and to meet STEM major requirements.
As part of a course redesign effort, Mathematics and Applied Mathematics faculty introduced innovative teaching practices such as project-based learning and teaching teams to support student learning, then collaborated with ALEE Center specialists to design and carry out in-depth assessment studies to evaluate these improvements. This assessment project involved many faculty members, graduate student TAs, and the ALEE Center specialists working together to build an engaging culture of assessment and make evidence-based improvements in these foundational courses.
MATH 19A
Calculus for Science, Engineering and Mathematics
A large course required for Physics, Engineering and Mathematics majors
MATH 11A
Calculus with Applications (for Life Sciences)
A large course required for Biology and other Life Sciences majors
MATH 3
Precalculus
Meets a GE requirement (Mathematical and Formal Reasoning) and prerequisite for calculus or statistics courses
Methodology
MATH 19A & MATH 11A
Course Learning Outcomes:
The MATH 19A* and MATH 11A** studies assessed conceptual understanding, computational skills, and disciplinary communication.
MATH 3
Course Learning Outcomes:
The MATH 3 study assessed conceptual understanding and computational skills.
Assessment Study Design:
These skills were assessed using criterion-based rubrics for evaluating students’ math skills to solve a real-life problem, as demonstrated in a project.
A course-specific survey provided in-depth information about student learning related to each course learning outcome and effective teaching practices.
*Course redesign in MATH 19A was supported by the California Education Learning Lab (CELL) grant.
**Course redesign in Math 11A was supported by the Graduating and Advancing New American Scholars (GANAS) grant, a Career Pathways HSI Title V project.
Assessment Study Design:
These skills were assessed using criterion-based rubrics for evaluating math problems on a final exam.