what is mlcs (march 2013)

WHAT IS MLCS?

Imagine a class that looks forward to college level work instead of backward at high school.

A class with the goal of developing flexible problem solvers instead of filling skill gaps.

Imagine a class that only takes one semester and allows students to get ready for liberal arts math, statistics, or intermediate algebra.

A class that gives students options in case they change their majors.

Imagine relevant,interesting content designed to engage and challenge the developmental learner.

Imagine relevant,interesting content designed to engage and challenge the developmental learner.

Imagine relevant,interesting content designed to engage and challenge the developmental learner.

Imagine a classroom that is active, filled with conversations about mathematics.

A class where students work on a variety of problems including open-ended problems that take time to solve.

Imagine a math class where students see algebra as a useful tool, instead of a set of procedures to mimic.

Imagine a class with balanced instruction,alternating between whole group direct instruction and small group explorations.

A class where technology is used as an instructional tool, not as a replacement for instructors.

Group Work

Direct Instructio

n

Mathematical Literacy for College Students, or MLCS, is such a course.

MLCS

MLCS was developed through AMATYC’s New Life Initiative and is related to the Carnegie Quantway Initiative.

We have been developing a version of this course since 2010. Our work is based on the work Kathleen did with the AMATYC and Carnegie Initiatives.

Pilots began at our school in fall 2011.

Kathleen Almy Heather Foes

Our goal was to create a course that works for students and instructors. We have created materials that support any level of instructor with detailed notes, answers,prompts, rubrics,and more.

We made the materials flexible so that schools can add or delete topics to their liking.

These materials will be available through Pearson Education and will be titledMath Lit.

The text uses a broad range of problems and contexts to engage the developmental learner. It is a living textbook, where students write on the pages that include theory, exercises, and problems.

Student success is built into the course in its design,development, lessons, and assessments. All lessons that address student success also include a mathematical objective.

Students are taught to be flexible problem solvers who persist when challenged. They learn multiple ways at looking at problems.

They read articles,developing literacy as well as mathematical literacy.

Flexibility Persistence Agility Literacy

Student also learn algebraic skills along the way and use MyMathLab to develop mastery with them.

Paper conceptual homework accompanies assignments to connect and apply the ideas learned.

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MLCS has four areas developed in an integrated fashion, moving through all four areas in each unit but delving deeper as the units progress.

Throughout the text geometry and statistics appear often to connect and extend ideas.

Technology is used as it is in the workplace: whatever makes sense at the time. That could be a calculator but often it is mental math or Excel.

MyMathLab supports instruction but does not replace it.

Together, these aspects combine to form a rich course that is engaging for all.

More than that, it provides appropriate preparation for non-STEM courses while maintaining standards and rigor.

Engagement

StandardsRigor

MLCS

Math Literacy for College Students

A course that is designed to create a new experience and a new pathway for the developmental math student