MATHEMATICS
The Math Department has had a busy and productive year. We continue to lead the way in offering an accessible program. We continue to offer classes online
each semester. The convenience of the online classes has been beneficial to many non-traditional students.
We have made significant changes in developmental math classes. Based on scores from the MTH 100 course, it was decided to add MTH 090 back to the
curriculum. MTH 090 is a computer based arithmetic course. MTH 098, which formerly was computer based, is now being taught as a hybrid
lecture/computer course in order to provide a smoother transition to the lecture based MTH 100. It was found that the student’s vocabulary was lacking in
MTH 100 without an instructor to explain the material.
The instructors of the Mathematics Department met at the end of the fall semester to review the assessment data for the current school year. The attached
report reflects the results of the first year in the Department’s three-year assessment cycle. The classes assessed in the first year of the cycle are MTH 090,
MTH 098, MTH 100, MTH 110, MTH 112, and MTH 246. 203 students were tested in MTH 090; 244 students tested in MTH 098; 445 students tested in
MTH 100; 31 students tested in MTH 110; 340 students tested in MTH 112; and 15 students polled in MTH 246. After analyzing the data, areas that may be
in need of improvement were discussed. The department is exploring the possibility of creating a MTH 100 hybrid course that will utilize My Math Lab for
students’ homework. We have found that many students do not complete homework in the traditional pencil and paper method. Using My Math Lab would
give the students the opportunity to complete homework online as well as gain access to computer based instructional aid. Students will also be encouraged to
take advantage of tutoring services offered on campus. The tutoring schedule is posted in all classrooms as well as on My Math Lab for the online students.
In the spring semester, the Math Department hosted their annual Math Tournament for local area schools. The tournament is a long standing tradition, and
each instructor plays a part in making it a successful experience for the students.
Textbooks are reviewed on a continuous basis to ensure that we are providing the best available for students. The textbook change for the 2010 – 11 school
year is listed below.
MTH 090: Basic College Mathematics, 2nd edition.
MTH 098: Elementary Algebra Customized Book
MTH 100: Intermediate Algebra Customized Book
MTH 125 (Fall 2010), MTH 126 (Spring 2011), MTH 227 (Summer 2011): Calculus Early Transcendental Functions, 5th edition.
MTH 246: Mathematics for Business, 9th edition.
MATHEMATICS: Assessment of Learning Outcomes 2010-11
Statement of
Institutional
Mission/Purpose
Educational Outcomes/
Competencies
Mission Statement
It is the belief of the
College that education
is a lifelong process;
thus, the College seeks
to provide effective
and relevant programs
which assist students
in recognizing and
more fully utilizing
their capabilities. The
College seeks to
provide students a
wide range of
opportunities tko attain
personal fulfillment
and to prepare for their
responsibilities as
citizens.
To improve instruction in the
Academic program based on the
results of the annual assessment
reports.
Institutional Goal 4.d
Formal evaluation of
each department’s
programs, curricula,
and personnel will
occur on an established
and systematic basis
MTH 090
Basic Mathematics
This is a developmental course
reviewing arithmetical principles and
computations designed to help the
student’s mathematical proficiency
for selected curriculum entrance.
Students must make at least a “C”
grade to exit the course or they will
be required to repeat the course prior
to enrolling in a college-level course.
This is a lab and web-based course.
Notice(s): This course produces
institutional, non-transferable credit
only and will not satisfy the
requirements for degrees, certificates,
and diplomas.
Means of Assessment and
Criteria for Success
70% of the students will
successfully solve objective-related
problems on the final exam. The
problems will require the students
to:
-
-
-
Multiply mixed numbers
Divide mixed numbers
Add and subtract fractions
with unlike denominators
Subtract mixed numbers
Subtract decimals
Multiply decimals
Divide whole numbers to
obtain a decimal
Convert a fraction to a
decimal
Write the ratio in lowest
terms
Write the ratio in lowest
terms with whole numbers in
numerator and denominator
Write the rate in lowest terms
Write the rate as a unit rate
Write a proportion for the
given information
Determine if two ratios form
a proportion
Solve the proportion
Solve a word problem
involving proportions
Express the shaded portion of
a drawing as a percent
Change percent to a fraction
Change percent to a decimal
Change decimal to a percent
Change a fraction to a
percent (rounded to the
nearest tenth)
Find the part given the
percentage rate and the base
Summary of Data Collected
Use of Results
area needing improvement
identified as a result of assessment
improvement made as result of
assessment findings
MTH 090 Basic Mathematics
The course competencies, the
instructional methodologies, and
evaluation of student learning are
reviewed/revised annually as a part
of the departmental assessment plan.
Students tested – 203
Average score – 60%
Items on which the average correct was
under 70%
Correct
37%
40%
24%
63%
45%
53%
40%
53%
62%
67%
67%
66%
17%
60%
41%
55%
24%
Competency
Multiply mixed numbers
Divide mixed numbers
Add and subtract fractions with
unlike denominators
Divide whole numbers to obtain a
decimal
Convert a fraction to a decimal
Write the ratio in lowest terms
Write the ratio in lowest terms
with whole numbers in numerator
and denominator
Write the rate in lowest terms
Determine if two ratios form a
proportion
Solve the proportion
Solve a word problem involving
proportions
Change percent to a decimal
Change a fraction to a percent
(rounded to the nearest tenth)
Find the part given the percentage
rate and the base
Find the base given the
percentage rate and the part
Compute the amount of sales tax
given the cost of an item and the
sales tax rate
Compute the markup price given
the original cost and the mark up
rate
The results of assessment, including
the improvements made in the
instructional program, are reported
annually to the Academic Dean.
Examples of improvements made
as a result of assessment findings
include:
1. Faculty will encourage students
who are performing below 70% to
take advantage of tutoring services
offered on campus
2 Faculty will provide additional
problems in the areas where the
percentage correct was < 40.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Find the base given the
percentage rate and the part
Compute the amount of sales
tax given the cost of an item
and the sales tax rate
Compute the markup price
given the original cost and
the mark up rate
Compute the percent of
increase given the original
amount and new amount
Compare two integers using
< or >
Evaluate the absolute value
of a number
Add integers with different
signs
Add integers with the same
signs
Add decimals with the same
signs
Simplify an expression
involving the addition and
subtraction of integers
Subtract integers with the
same sign
Subtract fractions with
different signs
Multiply integers
Multiply decimals with the
same signs
Divide integers with different
signs
Divide fractions with
different signs
Simplify an expression
involving the multiplication
and division of integers
Evaluate an expression using
the order of operations
Simplify an algebraic
expression using the
distributive property
Simplify an algebraic
expression by combining like
terms
42%
57%
58%
61%
22%
39%
37%
59%
54%
42%
41%
56%
Compute the percent of increase
given the original amount and
new amount
Add integers with the same signs
Add decimals with the same signs
Simplify an expression involving
the addition and subtraction of
integers
Subtract fractions with different
signs
Divide fractions with different
signs
Evaluate an expression using the
order of operations
Simplify an algebraic expression
using the distributive property
Simplify an algebraic expression
by combining like terms
Simplify an algebraic expression
involving the distributive
property and combining like
terms
Solve an equation using the
addition property of equality
Solve an equation using the
multiplication property of equality
-
-
-
-
Simplify an algebraic
expression involving the
distributive property and
combining like terms
Solve a conditional equation
by filling in the blank
Determine if a given value
for x represents a solution for
the given equation
Solve an equation using the
addition property of equality
Solve an equation using the
subtraction property of
equality
Solve an equation using the
division property of equality
Solve an equation using the
multiplication property of
equality
MATHEMATICS: Assessment of Learning Outcomes 2010-11
Statement of
Institutional
Mission/Purpose
Educational Outcomes/
Competencies
Mission Statement
It is the belief of the
College that education
is a lifelong process;
thus, the College seeks
to provide effective
and relevant programs
which assist students
in recognizing and
more fully utilizing
their capabilities. The
College seeks to
provide students a
wide range of
opportunities tko attain
personal fulfillment
and to prepare for their
responsibilities as
citizens.
To improve instruction in the
Academic program based on the
results of the annual assessment
reports.
Institutional Goal 4.d
Formal evaluation of
each department’s
programs, curricula,
and personnel will
occur on an established
and systematic basis
MTH 098
Elementary Algebra
The objective of this course is to
provide an understanding of
concepts, develop competent skills,
and demonstrate applications in the
following areas:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Analytic interpretation of
the basic arithmetic
operations with positive and
negative real numbers
Analytic and geometric
interpretation of linear
equations and inequalities in
one variable
Analytic interpretation of
exponents and polynomials
Analytic interpretation of
the strategies for factoring
Means of Assessment and
Criteria for Success
70% of the students will
successfully solve objective-related
problems on the final exam. The
problems will require the students
to:
-
-
Evaluate algebraic
expressions
Add and subtract fractions
with unlike denominators
Find the absolute value of a
real number
Combine like terms
Use addition rules to simplify
algebraic expressions
Simplify algebraic
expressions involving
multiplication
Use the order of operations
agreement
Use the addition property of
equality to solve equations
Solve linear equations
Express a percent as a
decimal
Translate English phrases
into algebraic expressions
Graph the solutions of an
inequality on a number line
Solve linear inequalities
Find ratios
Solve proportions
Add polynomials
Multiply polynomials when
neither is a monomial
Multiply the sum and
difference of two terms
Multiply polynomials in
several variables
Divide a polynomial by a
monomial
Summary of Data Collected
Use of Results
area needing improvement
identified as a result of assessment
improvement made as result of
assessment findings
MTH 098 Elementary Algebra
The course competencies, the
instructional methodologies, and
evaluation of student learning are
reviewed/revised annually as a part
of the departmental assessment plan.
Students tested – 244
Average score – 71%
Items on which the average correct was
under 70%
Correct
54%
8%
69%
53%
51%
56%
53%
66%
59%
57%
51%
54%
Competency
Solve linear equations
Solve linear inequalities
Multiply polynomials when
neither is a monomial
Divide a polynomial by a
binomial
Use the negative exponent rule
Convert from decimal notation to
scientific notation
Factor out the greatest common
factor of a polynomial
Factor by grouping
Factor trinomials by grouping
Use a general strategy for
factoring polynomials
Use the zero-product principle
Solve quadratic equations by
factoring
The results of assessment, including
the improvements made in the
instructional program, are reported
annually to the Academic Dean.
Examples of improvements made
as a result of assessment findings
include:
1. Faculty will encourage students
who are performing below 70% to
take advantage of tutoring services
offered on campus.
2 Faculty will provide additional
problems in the areas where the
percentage correct was < 40.
-
-
Divide a polynomial by a
binomial
Use the negative exponent
rule
Convert from decimal
notation to scientific notation
Factor out the greatest
common factor of a
polynomial
Factor by grouping
Factor the trinomials of the
form x  bx  c
Factor trinomials by
grouping
Factor the difference of two
squares
Use a general strategy for
factoring polynomials
Use the zero-product
principle
Solve quadratic equations by
factoring
2
-
MATHEMATICS: Assessment of Learning Outcomes 2010-11
Statement of
Institutional
Mission/Purpose
Educational Outcomes/
Competencies
Mission Statement
It is the belief of the
College that education
is a lifelong process;
thus, the College seeks
to provide effective
and relevant programs
which assist students
in recognizing and
more fully utilizing
their capabilities. The
College seeks to
provide students a
wide range of
opportunities tko attain
personal fulfillment
and to prepare for their
responsibilities as
citizens.
To improve instruction in the
Academic program based on the
results of the annual assessment
reports.
Institutional Goal 4.d
Formal evaluation of
each department’s
programs, curricula,
and personnel will
occur on an established
and systematic basis
MTH 100
Intermediate College Algebra
The objective of this course is to
provide an understanding of
concepts, develop competent skills,
and demonstrate applications in the
following areas:
1. analytic and geometric
interpretation of linear equations and
inequalities in two variables
2. analytic and geometric
interpretation of systems of equations
and inequalities
3. analytic interpretation of rational
expressions and equations
4. analytic interpretation of roots and
radicals
5. analytic and geometric
interpretation of quadratic equations
Means of Assessment and
Criteria for Success
70% of the students will
successfully solve objective-related
problems on the final exam. The
problems will require the students
to:
-
-
Determine if an ordered pair
is a solution of an equation
Find the x-intercept and yintercept of a graph
Graph a linear equation using
intercepts
Find the slope of a line
Find the slope of a line using
a graph
Find the slope and yintercept
Find the equation of a line
Graph a linear inequality in
two variables
Decide whether an ordered
pair is a solution of linear
equations
Solve a system of equations
by the substitution method
Solve a system of equations
by the addition method
Factoring the difference of
two squares
Solve quadratic equations by
factoring
Simplify rational expressions
Multiply rational expressions
Divide rational expressions
Add rational expressions
with a common denominator
Subtract rational expressions
with a common denominator
Add rational expressions
with different denominators
Simplify complex rational
Summary of Data Collected
Use of Results
area needing improvement
identified as a result of assessment
improvement made as result of
assessment findings
MTH 100 Intermediate College
Algebra
The course competencies, the
instructional methodologies, and
evaluation of student learning are
reviewed/revised annually as a part
of the departmental assessment plan.
Students tested – 445
Average score – 66%
Items on which the average correct was
under 70%
Correct
68%
66%
69%
61%
38%
65%
64%
60%
43%
38%
43%
55%
45%
60%
67%
55%
64%
48%
Competency
Determine if an ordered pair is
a solution of an equation
Graph a linear equation using
intercepts
Find the slope of a line using
a graph
Find the slope and y-intercept
Find the equation of a line
Graph a linear inequality in two
variables
Solve quadratic equations by
factoring
Multiply rational expressions
Add rational expressions with
a common denominator
Subtract rational expressions
with a common denominator
Add rational expressions with
different denominators
Simplify complex rational
expressions
Solve rational equations
Find square root
Multiply square roots
Use the quotient rule for square
roots
Simplify and add radical
expressions
Multiply radical expressions
with more than one term (foil)
The results of assessment, including
the improvements made in the
instructional program, are reported
annually to the Academic Dean.
Examples of improvements made
as a result of assessment findings
include:
1. Faculty will explore the
possibility of offering a hybrid class
where homework is completed using
My Math Lab.
2. Faculty will encourage students
who are performing below 70% to
take advantage of tutoring services
offered on campus.
-
-
-
-
expressions
Find square roots
Multiply square root
Use the quotient rule for
square roots
Simplify and add radical
expressions
Multiply radical expressions
with more than one term
(distribute)
Multiply radical expressions
with more than one term
(foil)
Multiply conjugates
Rationalize the denominator
containing one term
Solve radical equations
Evaluate expressions with
rational exponents
Solve quadratic equations
using the square root
property
Solve quadratic equations by
using the quadratic formula
68%
62%
62%
Solve radical equations
Solve quadratic equations
using the square root property
Solve quadratic equations by
using the quadratic formula
MATHEMATICS: Assessment of Learning Outcomes 2010-11
Statement of
Institutional
Mission/Purpose
Educational Outcomes/
Competencies
Mission Statement
It is the belief of the
College that education
is a lifelong process;
thus, the College seeks
to provide effective
and relevant programs
which assist students
in recognizing and
more fully utilizing
their capabilities. The
College seeks to
provide students a
wide range of
opportunities tko attain
personal fulfillment
and to prepare for their
responsibilities as
citizens.
To improve instruction in the
Academic program based on the
results of the annual assessment
reports.
Institutional Goal 4.d
Formal evaluation of
each department’s
programs, curricula,
and personnel will
occur on an established
and systematic basis
MTH 110
Finite Mathematics
The objective of this course is to
provide the non-calculus
mathematics needed for students in
many disciplines. The student will
develop an understanding of the
concepts, develop competent skills,
and demonstrate applications in the
following areas:
1. analytic interpretation of linear
systems, matrix algebra, and set
theory
2. analytic interpretation of
measurements of central tendency,
probability, and statistics
Means of Assessment and
Criteria for Success
70% of the students will
successfully solve objective-related
problems on the final exam. The
problems will require the students
to:
-
-
-
Find the union of two sets
Find the intersection of two
sets
Draw and use a Venn
Diagram
Find the solution to a system
of linear equations
Solve a system of three
equations and three
unknowns using GaussJordan
Find an element of a matrix
Find the order of a matrix
Find the transpose of a
matrix
Add two matrices
Multiply two matrices
Find the inverse of s 2 X 2
matrix
Find the maximum value of a
function given a graph
Find the conditional
probability using the product
rule
Use Baye’s formula
Find the probability when
casting a die
Use the fundamental
counting principle
Find the probability using
combinations
Find the third stage Markov
chain
Use the Binomial Probability
Formula
Summary of Data Collected
Use of Results
area needing improvement
identified as a result of assessment
improvement made as result of
assessment findings
MTH 110 Finite Mathematics
Students tested – 31
Average score – 67%
The course competencies, the
instructional methodologies, and
evaluation of student learning are
reviewed/revised annually as a part
of the departmental assessment plan.
Items on which the average correct was
under 70%
Correct
52%
52%
35%
65%
23%
58%
32%
61%
48%
48%
48%
52%
58%
42%
Competency
Find the union of two sets
Find the intersection of two
sets
Draw and use a Venn Diagram
Solve a system of three
equations and three unknowns
using Gauss-Jordan
Find the inverse of a 2 X 2
matrix
Find conditional probability
using the product rule
Use Baye’s formula
Use the fundamental counting
principle
Find the probability using
combinations
Find the third stage Markov
chain
Use the Binomial Probability
formula
Find the standard deviation
Find the mean of a discrete
probability distribution
Find the probability of a
standard normal distribution
The results of assessment, including
the improvements made in the
instructional program, are reported
annually to the Academic Dean.
Examples of improvements made
as a result of assessment findings
include:
1. The instructor will spend more
time on the competencies where the
percentage correct was < 40.
2. Faculty will encourage students
who are performing below 70% to
take advantage of tutoring services
offered on campus.
-
Find the mode
Find the median
Find the mean
Find the standard deviation
Find the mean of a discrete
probability distribution
Find the probability of a
standard normal distribution
MATHEMATICS: Assessment of Learning Outcomes 2010-11
Statement of
Institutional
Mission/Purpose
Educational Outcomes/
Competencies
Mission Statement
It is the belief of the
College that education
is a lifelong process;
thus, the College seeks
to provide effective
and relevant programs
which assist students
in recognizing and
more fully utilizing
their capabilities. The
College seeks to
provide students a
wide range of
opportunities tko attain
personal fulfillment
and to prepare for their
responsibilities as
citizens.
To improve instruction in the
Academic program based on the
results of the annual assessment
reports.
Institutional Goal 4.d
Formal evaluation of
each department’s
programs, curricula,
and personnel will
occur on an established
and systematic basis
MTH 112
Precalculus Algebra
The objective of this course is to
provide an understanding of
concepts, develop competent skills,
and demonstrate applications in the
following areas:
1. analytic and geometric
interpretation of algebraic,
exponential, and logarithmic
functions
2. analytic and geometric
interpretation of systems of equations
and inequalities
Means of Assessment and
Criteria for Success
70% of the students will
successfully solve objective-related
problems on the final exam. The
problems will require the students
to:
-
While building on the manipulative
skills from algebra this course strives
to develop analytic skills as a
preparation for further mathematical
applications or courses in
mathematics requiring knowledge of
algebraic and transcendental
functions
-
Graph quadratic equations
Multiply complex numbers
Divide complex numbers
Solve quadratic equations by
factoring
Solve quadratic equations by
the square root property
Solve quadratic equations by
the quadratic formula
Use interval notation’
Solve inequalities
Evaluate functions
Use the vertical line test to
identify functions
Identify intervals on which a
function increases, decreases,
or is constant
Write an equation of a line
Determine the domain of a
function
Combine function using
algebra of functions
Form composite functions
Find the inverse of a function
Use long division to divide
polynomials
Use synthetic division to
divide polynomials
Find the zeros of a function
Graph a rational function
Solve polynomial
inequalities
Change from logarithmic to
exponential form
Change from exponential to
logarithmic form
Summary of Data Collected
Use of Results
area needing improvement
identified as a result of assessment
improvement made as result of
assessment findings
MTH 112 Precalculus Algebra
The course competencies, the
instructional methodologies, and
evaluation of student learning are
reviewed/revised annually as a part
of the departmental assessment plan.
Students tested – 340
Average score – 69%
Items on which the average correct was
under 70%
Correct
61%
64%
50%
26%
64%
69%
45%
29%
68%
69%
35%
24%
58%
Competency
Divide complex numbers
Solve inequalities
Write an equation of a line
Determine the domain of a
function
Combine functions using
algebra of functions
Find the zeros of a function
Graph a rational function
Solve polynomial inequalities
Evaluate logarithms
Solve logarithmic equation
(one log)
Solve logarithmic equation
(two logs)
Solve system of equations in
two variables by the
substitution method
Solve nonlinear systems by
substitution
The results of assessment, including
the improvements made in the
instructional program, are reported
annually to the Academic Dean.
Examples of improvements made
as a result of assessment findings
include:
1. Faculty will explore the
possibility of using My Math Lab as
a supplemental aide for students in
the traditional classroom setting.
2. Faculty will encourage students
who are performing below 70% to
take advantage of tutoring services
offered on campus.
-
-
-
Evaluate logarithms
Expand logarithmic
expressions
Condense logarithmic
expressions
Use the change of base
property
Solve logarithmic equation
(one log)
Solve logarithmic equation
(two logs)
Solve exponential equation
Solve system of equations in
two variables by the addition
method
Solve system of equations in
two variables by the
substitution method
Solve nonlinear systems by
substitution
MATHEMATICS: Assessment of Learning Outcomes 2010-11
Statement of
Institutional
Mission/Purpose
Educational Outcomes/
Competencies
Mission Statement
It is the belief of the
College that education
is a lifelong process;
thus, the College seeks
to provide effective
and relevant programs
which assist students
in recognizing and
more fully utilizing
their capabilities. The
College seeks to
provide students a
wide range of
opportunities to attain
personal fulfillment
and to prepare for their
responsibilities as
citizens.
To improve instruction in the
Academic program based on the
results of the annual assessment
reports.
The students were asked to
complete an anonymous survey at
the end of the semester. Listed
below is a copy of the survey.
MTH 246 Mathematics of Finance
Please answer the following
questions to help the math
department in making
improvements to the course you are
taking. This is not an instructor
evaluation.
Institutional Goal 4.d
Formal evaluation of
each department’s
programs, curricula,
and personnel will
occur on an established
and systematic basis
The objective of this course is to
provide an understanding of
concepts, develop competent skills,
and demonstrate applications in the
following areas:
1. Analytic interpretation of
percentage problems and
apply percents to business
problems.
2. Apply mathematics in
specific business situations.
Means of Assessment and
Criteria for Success
1.
2.
As a result of this course
or course sequence, has
your confidence in your
mathematics ability
increased?
Do you feel confident that
you have the mathematical
skills necessary to
complete the requirements
in your field of study?
3.
Have you had the
opportunity to apply the
content of this course in
other courses? If so, which
courses?
4.
What suggestions or
improvements would you
make in the content,
structure, or teaching of
this course?
Summary of Data Collected
Use of Results
area needing improvement
identified as a result of assessment
improvement made as result of
assessment findings
MTH 246 Mathematics of Finance
The course competencies, the
instructional methodologies, and
evaluation of student learning are
reviewed/revised annually as a part
of the departmental assessment plan.
15 students completed the survey
The results for each question are listed
below.
1. 13 responded “yes”
2 responded “no”
The results of assessment, including
the improvements made in the
instructional program, are reported
annually to the Academic Dean.
2. 15 responded “yes”
3. 10 responded “yes”
5 responded “no”
4. 12 students either said “none” or left
it blank.
Other responses are listed below:
- More projects
- Offer a second course to cover the
parts in the book that were skipped
- Offer a better explanation of the
problems and more examples
Examples of improvements made
as a result of assessment findings
include:
1. Faculty will encourage students
who are performing below 70% to
take advantage of tutoring services
offered on campus.
2. Faculty will provide as many
examples as possible.