Welcome to MATH 1300 Elementary Algebra in modularized form!If you are enrolled in MATH 1300 Elementary Algebra in modular form, this webpage will provide you with all the necessary information pertaining to your modularized class and any subsequent modules. Use the links on the left hand side to obtain further information on particular topics. To enhance student learning in MATH 1300 Elementary Algebra, several sections have been enhanced with interventions beginning Fall 2007. Some of these interventions are discussed below:
This plan is part of the University of Texas-Pan American's (UTPA) Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) for enhancing student learning in MATH 1300, MATH 1334, and MATH 1340 to increase student success in mathematics, ultimately leading to increased retention and graduation rates. Class Times and Registration Modularized MATH 1300 is a 3-credit hour course that meets 4 times a week: 3 hours are lecture and 1 hour is devoted to a discussion session where students work together on mathematics problems. In the fall semester 2007, two time periods are offered for modularized MATH 1300:
Time 1: MWF 8:45-9:35 with Discussion 9:45 -10:35 either M,W, or F
and these sections are offered for registration as MATH 1300.51 to MATH 1300.54: Lecture MWF 8:45-9:35am Lecture MWF 9:45-10:35 (this is the discussion session held only ONCE a week)
MATH 1300.55 to MATH 1300.58: Lecture MWF 10:45-11:35am Lecture MWF 11:45-12:35 (this is the discussion session held only ONCE a week) The second lecture period refers to the discussion session. For example, for the section MATH 1300.51, class meets MWF 8:45-9:35 for lecture, and discussion session is held EITHER Monday, Wednesday, or Friday from 9:45-10:35; thus discussion session is only held once a week and you will be given the time for the discussion session on the first class day. Note that the day (M, W, or F) the discussion session is offered may change during the semester depending on the module you are in. In order for you to take into account the 4th hour of the class--the discussion session-- the 4th hour needed to be reserved as in the above structure. Keep in mind that the class meets only 4 times a week (not 6 times). Modular Course Structure Course material usually varies beginning with introductory to intermediate to advanced concepts. Depending on the student and the course, some course material may be easier to master in smaller pieces (like in modules) than others in a semester-long course. Therefore, to enhance student learning, MATH 1300 will be taught in 3 modules: Module 1, Module 2, and Module 3:
Each module represents a more concentrated area of focus/study and will cover approximately 1/3 of the course material, keeping related topics intact. The three modules will be independent of one another in the sense that each module will focus on particular concepts and material. The three modules will also depend on one another, as mastery of material/concepts from one module is necessary for the subsequent module and for course completion. Once a student completes a module, then he/she proceeds to the subsequent module; the student has successfully completed the course once all three modules are passed. The term "modular period" will be used to designate the time periods during a semester when a module is offered. For example:
Since one course consists of three modules, it is beneficial to think of the semester as being broken into thirds; three modular periods exist per semester. In addition, Modules 1, 2 and 3 will be offered in every modular period throughout the semester; for example in Modular period 2: Modules 1, 2 and 3 will be offered as well as in the other Modular periods. Consequently, this structure will allow students to enroll in the subsequent module at the next modular period without any delay. Most importantly, students who fail a module will have opportunities to repeat the module without delay. Note that full tuition for the class will be paid prior to each semester the student enrolls/reenrolls in modularized MATH 1300 to complete modules. Concept of Modules The concept of breaking up a course into modules is not new. For example, the following universities use modules in some of their courses:
The modular format has been very successful at comparable institutions, especially for students who need extra time to master the mathematics information. Pass/Fail Status in a Module Passing a Module The grade for a module is determined in the following manner. Passing a module means obtaining an average of 70 or above. Whenever a student completes a module, a status of "IP" for "In Progress" will be assigned to the student and his numerical grade for the module will be recorded. Upon consultation by mathematics faculty, the numerical grade for the module will be determined from exams, homework, quizzes, discussion worksheets, or attendance.
Unsuccessfully Passing a Module If a student fails to pass a module, the student will still be assigned an "IP" status for "In Progress" and a grade of "F" for "Fail" will be recorded for the given module. The student will then be required to re-enroll in the same module in the subsequent modular period. When a student has not succeeded in passing a given module on the third attempt, then a letter grade of "F" will be recorded for the mathematics course. See the diagram below under Example in Failing the Course. Flowchart of Student Progress in the Modularized Course The following chart describes the Pass/Fail status in a modularized course. Follow the arrows depending on whether the given module (1, 2, or 3) was passed or failed. Examples are illustrated below. Example in Passing the Course. Consider the following example of a student enrolled in a modularized MATH 1300 course. Let 1 denote Module 1; 2 denote Module 2; and 3 denote Module 3. In this example, suppose the student enrolls in MATH 1300 in Module 1 in the fall semester and thus pays full tuition. Now suppose the student passes Module 1 and then enrolls in Module 2 and fails, then he reenrolls in Module 2 and passes; now it is the end of the fall semester. In the spring semester, the student pays full tuition again and then enrolls in Module 3 and suppose he fails. Then he reenrolls in Module 3 and now passes. Since he has passed all 3 modules, the student passes MATH 1300. The same example can also be illustrated through the following diagram: Example in Failing the Course. The following example is long to illustrate the concept of obtaining a letter grade of F in the MATH 1300 course. Suppose the student enrolls in Fall 2007 in Module 1 and Fails, then reenrolls in Module 1 and passes, enrolls in Module 2 and Fails, reenrolls in Module 2 and Fails (at this point the students has accumulated 3 Fails but the Fails have not occurred in the same module and therefore the student can still continue)and reenrolls in Module 2 and Passes, then enrolls in Module 3 and Fails the same module three times. Thus the student has accumulated 3 Fails in Module 3 and an "F" is then assigned to the MATH 1300 course. Note that each time the semester begins, the student pays full tuition. This same example can also be illustrated in the following diagram: Grade Determination for the Mathematics Course You have passed the MATH 1300 course if you have met the following criteria:
Note: The above information is currently under discussion with Mathematics faculty. |
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