CURRICULUM PROPOSAL FORM #4
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-WHITEWATER

CHANGE IN OR DELETION OF EXISTING COURSE

Type of Action
  Course Deletion    Requisite Change
  Course Revision   Repeatability Change
  Description Change    Diversity Option
  Title Change   General Education Option
  Number Change    area:
x Contact Hour Change    Computer Requirement
x Credit Change    Writing Requirement
  Add Cross-listing    Other  
Effective Term: Fall 2002 
New/Current Course Number: Math - 141
New/Current Course Title:  Intermediate Algebra
Old Course Title:  
15 Character Abbreviation:   
25 Character Abbreviation:   
Sponsor(s):  Jerry Tanguay/ Dieudonne Phanord
Department(s):  Mathematical and Computer Sciences
College(s):  Letters and Sciences
Other Programs Affected:  Math 041

Check if course is required in: ____Major/Emphasis (specify):

___Minor/Emphasis (specify):

   X  Other (specify): proficiency (Math & Developmental Education)

Detailed explanation of changes (use FROM/TO format)

From 3 credits      to 4 credits

From 48 contact hours     to 64 contact hours
 
 
Explanation of the changes:

  1. Change the course sequence
    1. Shorten the sequence of courses needed for proficiency
      1. From the sequence 040 (Pre-algebra) followed by 041 (Beginning Algebra) followed by 141 (Intermediate Algebra)
      2. To the sequence 041 then 141
    2. Rationale:
      1. UWW currently has 32% of its incoming freshmen in remediation. Many students currently need 9 hours or 3 semesters to reach the proficiency level. College requirements necessitate their getting into a professional sequence on an expedited time line.
      2. Most students will then reach the proficiency level within two semesters
      3. Very few students will remain in the current 040 Pre-algebra, a math course taught by Academic Support Services; only these few will need a three course sequence

        4.  
  1. Adjust the number of students in mathematics remediation

    2.  
    1. Alter the ACT range for the 041 and 141 courses
      1. From: 18-20 for 041 and 21-23 for 141
      2. To: 15-18 for 041 and 19-23 for 141
    2. Rationale:
      1. Compared to sister institutions, UWW has both a disproportionate number of students in remediation and a higher cut-off for inclusion in the course equivalent to our 141. This proposal would move approximately 270 students out of remediation in the fall of 2002.

        2.  
  2. Change credit hours and contact hours for 141

    3.  
    1. Change credits
      1. From: 141 is now a 3 credit course
      2. To: 141 becomes a 4 credit course
    2. Change contact hours
      1. From: 141 now has 48 contact hours
      2. To: 141 will have 64 contact hours
    3. Rationale
      1. Current 141 instructors find the syllabus necessary but too dense with topics; the 4 credit time allows for more depth and review along with a less frenetic pacing so as to improve the students’ probability of success.
      2. Populations of the 141 courses will consist of students possessing weaker mathematical skills; therefore, the expanded 4 hour time is logical.
      3. All 141 courses will be assigned to computer enabled classrooms; then all instructors will use the online instructional, tutorial, and quiz features offered by Brooks/Cole (publisher of our current 141 text) which are individuated for each level
      4. Allow for 3 lecture hours and one lab/review hour in a typical week

        5.  
  3. Budget, staffing, and computer lab impact

    4.  
    1. Staffing
      1. Most additional staffing will be accomplished by utilizing mathematics staff from Academic Support Services to augment instructional needs within the Department of Mathematics. Academic Support staff have historically been under-utilized each spring semester, although they would welcome a 100% appointment.
      2. Staffing in excess of current Math and Academic Support personnel, will be provided by The College of Letters and Sciences and by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
    2. Computer lab space
      1. Sufficient computer lab space is currently available for the computer interactive sections (approximately 10) in Upham 07. This lab has been satisfactory for three semesters. Needs for interactive sections will not increase.
      2. The remaining sections of 141 need only classrooms that are equipped with online computer instructional teaching modules
      3. Computer labs already exist in McCutchan Hall where Academic Support staff will present the 041 pre algebra classes


Strategic goals for the Department of Mathematics and Computer Sciences

    1. Allow students to reach proficiency in 2 semesters rather than 3
    2. Improve quality of service
      1. Give more class exposures for students to mature in the concepts
      2. Use of technology teaching makes presentations more stimulating so students will be drawn to participate
    3. Maintain the size of our instructional staff at least at its current level
Strategic goals for the College of Letters and Sciences and the University of Wisconsin,Whitewater
    1. Permit students to start their major as soon as possible
    2. Minimize junior retention issues so fewer students will drop-out of UWW
    3. Use technology in the classroom, a paradigm shift in pedagogy
      1. Classes are not exclusively lecture
      2. Presentation formats can be attractive and intellectually stimulating
      3. Stimulating media and time for individual attention should increase rates of class attendance
    4. A reduced cohort of students who must repeat these courses