Acing Algebra:
An Online Case Study
MERLOT International Conference
(MIC09)
August 13-16, 2009
Hasan Z Rahim
Adjunct Faculty, San Jose City College
Hasan.Rahim@sjcc.edu

Opening Up Online
• Silent/shy students express themselves
– LMS: Moodle
– Discussion Forum / Blog
– Misgivings about algebra
• Difficult
• Lack of relevance
• Graduation requirement only reason to take
class

Initial Evaluation
• 1/3 students did not meet prerequisites
– Difficulties with basics
• Subtraction
• Order of mathematical operations
• Fractions
• Percentages

Teacher Adjustments
• Time spent to reinforce basics
– Consequence: “Advanced” students bored
• About 7 advanced students out of a class of 38
• Decision bears fruit
– Gap narrows as semester progresses
– At about Linear Equation, almost even

Online Student Comments
• Student “S” (age 53) passes algebra:
– “Everyone gets a second chance in America”
• General student comments
– Made us believe in ourselves
– Made us laugh
– Algebra isn’t that difficult!
• Conclusion
– Students seek affirmation of self-worth

More Online Student Comments
• Bitter about high cost of textbooks
• Majority not keen on algebra applications
– “Just want to solve straightforward problems”
– Example: 5(2x – 4) = 10
• Some excited about real-life applications
– Example: Stock price, investment, life
expectancy, statistics, etc.

Community Colleges in Focus
• President Obama’s plan to energize CC
• Two-plus-two
– 2 yrs at CC, 2 yrs at a 4-yr university
– Works only for organized, disciplined students
• Make sure CC credits are transferable
– Major cause for not graduating
• Teacher can motivate also as counselor
– Initiate online discussion of student goals

“Focus on Algebra”
• National Mathematics Advisory Panel
– (http://www.ed.gov/about/bdscomm/list/mat
hpanel/index.html)
– “Focus on Algebra”
– Long-term solution:
• Begin with Algebra I for 8th-graders
• Solve Math prerequiste problems in CCs

Tasks to Consider
• Goal: Competence in algebra
• Do not use technology for the sake of
technology
• Experiment with Web 2.0 Technologies
– Wikis, Blogs, Podcast, Videocast
– Integrate mainstream social networking
• Facebook, Twitter
– Track usefulness
– Discard any tool that does not appeal

Summary
• For success with algebra, focus on
– Joy of learning
• Good grades almost always follow
– Use humor
– Convince students you are on their side
– Be flexible
• Most CC students work to support family
• Respond right away to student emails
• Make clear the dangers of dropping out