There is a growing consensus that algebra is an important aspect of mathematics teaching and learning and several abilities are required in order students to have successful performance in algebra. The present study uses insights from the domain of psychology to enrich what is currently known in the domain of mathematics education about the…

Formative assessments have been deemed the key to effectively measuring if students have mastered the understanding of curriculum standards. Thus, allowing teachers to use the results to tailor remediation and use other efforts to support mastery of student learning before the end of the school year has positive effects on student achievement.…

Proportional thinking, which requires understanding fractions, ratios, and proportions, is an area of mathematics that is cognitively challenging for many children and adolescents (Fujimura, 2001; Lamon, 2007; Lobato, Ellis, Charles, & Zbiek, 2010; National Mathematics Advisory Panel [NMAP], 2008) and "transcends topical barriers in adult…

At two-year public community colleges, the 2011 three-year persistence rate was 23.9%. From 1988 to 2006, between 40% and 60% of all first-time community college students were referred to and enrolled in at least one developmental education course. More students begin college underprepared in mathematics than any other subject area, and only about…

Mathematics is a particular stumbling block for community college students in developmental course work. The present study empirically investigated student-level and teacher-level factors that influence the success of community college students enrolled in developmental mathematics courses. Specifically, numerous variables in one statistical model…

The majority of college students are not ready for college-level math courses, which, when completed, have been shown to increase graduation and transfer rates. To address this problem, the Math My Way (MMW) program was developed to integrate module-based curriculum and mastery learning approaches. The program is based on Seidman's retention…

Student transition from arithmetical understandings to algebraic reasoning is recognised as an important but complex process. An essential element of the transition is the development of a rich understanding of variables. Drawing on findings from a classroom-based study, this paper outlines the instructional tasks and pedagogical actions a teacher…

A high school education, which includes access to advanced math courses, has a positive effect on students. Math classes taken in high school show a relationship to higher salaries and college graduation rates. However, the high-stakes accountability system in California, redesigned in 2003 to meet the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act…

The purpose of this researcher was to investigate the programmatic impact of school districts' practice of limited early access to algebra on student performance. School districts selected for the study are located in the counties of Nassau and Suffolk, Long Island, New York. School districts that reported Mathematics A and Integrated Algebra…

A logit model predicting student outcomes for a gateway course, Math for Liberal Arts, was successfully developed which fits the data well. Two variables, ACT math score and high school GPA, were found to be significant predictors of achieving a C or better in Math for Liberal Arts. A practical implication of the study suggests that with just two…

The purpose of this study was to: (a) investigate the effects of email to enhance learners' use of self-regulation strategies; (b) examine different effects between email list and individually addressed notes on the enhancement of self-regulation; (c) observe and record changes in self-regulation and self-efficacy; and (d) explore the…

This paper investigates the placement of students at an urban Ohio college campus in developmental mathematics and Intermediate Algebra courses. We have found that the ACT Mathematics and COMPASS Domain I (Algebra) Placement scores both correlate well with success in the Intermediate Algebra course and that, although females have lower placement…

Presents findings from a study of students enrolled in college algebra. Concludes that the predicted success of students is related to explanatory variables using a linear model. Recommends advising cut-off scores in terms of student success rated as well as the mission statement and philosophy of the university. Contains 12 references.…

Data from (n=470) students at Owens Technical College in Fall 1991 showed that high school GPA was the best predictor of grades in Basic Algebra, followed by high school rank, college GPA, ACT natural sciences, ASSET numerical skills, and ASSET elementary algebra scores. (11 references) (SW)

This paper reviews and synthesizes the results of 17 studies of the prediction of successful achievement in first-year algebra courses. On the basis of this review, four major points are made: (1) success in prior mathematics courses is a better predictor of success in algebra than general intellectual ability; (2) ability to understand and apply…