This presentation will describe how SUNY Old Westbury, a comprehensive college in the State University of NY system with a very diverse and multicultural population, has completely redesigned the mode of instruction of our elementary and proficiency algebra courses over the last 9 years. It will follow the changes made from a very traditional lecture-type set of courses to a set of blended courses designed to put the students to work with the support of professional tutors and instructors. Under the premise that no one can learn to do algebra without doing algebra, we set out to change attitudes and work ethic of students and make them accountable for their own learning while providing them with a structure and support system to help them achieve success. The program has successfully improved the passing rates of both courses and been received positively by both students and the college community in general, and it continues to evolve year after year.

Speakers

Professors Marianne Morea and Betty Berbari, SUNY Old Westbury