Murray Cox

Instruction in College-level Remedial Mathematics: Teaching Remedial Mathematics Murray Cox

Approximately 60% of all college students enter remediation and 67% of these never finish. This amounts to 2 in 5 of ALL University students dropping out due to lack of Quantitative Literacy (QL). Mathematical remediation is an issue that all modern post-secondary institutions deal with; it is not isolated to any one institution, or even to most pre-1980 universities. Numerous studies point to minimal student participation in SEM (Science, Engineering, and Mathematics) areas. Instead, students are pursuing the softer degrees with the belief that a diploma itself is an entry ticket to the job market. However, lack of interest in mathematics results in lower levels of college preparedness and hence lower levels of college success. The lack of QL plays a specific role in academic success and a general role in career and life success. High school students completing Algebra II are twice as likely to graduate from college and the most employable graduates are typically SEM in nature. Providing students with success starts with a pedagogy that motivates students and promotes perseverance.