With 33,000 students on 14 campuses, Baker College decided to increase student success through the implementation of a mathematics-centered program. Educational research conducted at Baker and elsewhere produced a stronger understanding of why students were not successful and of changes that needed to be made in order to increase student success. The theme area of “Learning How to Learn Mathematics” was supported at Baker through the implementation of five new policies and a set of best practices, unanimously approved by deans from all campuses.

These policies and practices created a fundamental shift in the culture of teaching and learning mathematics at Baker College. As part of this cultural shift, faculty at Baker were instrumental in developing Foundations of Math, a textbook representative of a new way of learning in general, as well as a new way of learning mathematics. Its purpose is to develop students' ability to be self-directed learners and to provide a means to improve students' performance as learners of mathematics. 

Students increase their understanding of Whole Numbers, Decimal Numbers, Fractions, Ratios and Proportions, Percents, and Signed Numbers, Exponents, and Order of Operations as they master a general strategy for learning, which will assist them in other courses. Each of these Foundations of Math modules has a pre-activity reading and preparation section, an activities area, and then practice tests to challenge one’s mastery of the content area.

A Pre-Activity section, introduces students to the module with examples of real life applications, a list of learning objectives, terminology, and methodologies and techniques to solve specific types of problems. Models of problem solving, with special cases and shortcuts are also included; students test their understanding by working through the methodology step-by-step. A table entitled Addressing Common Errors illustrates those errors typically made while problem solving, so students are less likely to make similar mistakes. Students learn from these “mistakes", since this table includes resolutions and corrections. Prior to proceeding to the math activity section, students must actually check off various topics to ensure they have an understanding of the written material before having a chance to apply what they have just learned.

Below are some sample pages from the Pre-Activity/preparation section for Foundations of Math.
Click on any thumbnail to view full-size.

In the Activity section, students must demonstrate their ability to apply what they have learned. While critical thinking questions challenge students to demonstrate their understanding, Tips for Success provide special insights about learning and tips to strengthen student performance. There are no misconceptions regarding expectations in the class as students receive explicit performance criteria. Especially valuable is the decision to include actual examples of incorrect, student-written solutions. Students actually “become the teacher” and must analyze, identify, and correct these real-life errors. 

Here are some sample activity pages from Foundations of Math.
Click on any thumbnail to view full-size.

One entire chapter in Foundations of Math is dedicated to “Learning how to Learn Math” but it could be used in practically any course since it provides a framework for students to learn virtually any subject. The challenge to become a self-directed learner, to conquer testing/performance fears, and the use of assessment in order to improve performance including the use of the SII method of assessment, is included in this chapter. In addition, methodologies to master the reading and learning processes provide the student with a structure for reading and learning that easily transfers to other courses.

The development of the Foundations of Math textbook and the implementation of this book at many Baker campuses has resulted in changes in the teaching of developmental math. These changes, in turn, have led to increased student retention and success for students in math courses. As Cindy VanGieson, Dean of Developmental Education explains, “With help from Pacific Crest and the advancements in Process Education, attrition has decreased and more students meet with success in the course.”

Pacific Crest, publisher of Foundations of Math, is currently developing a series of math books based on the same theoretical framework. For more information about the Foundations series or questions about purchasing Foundations of Math please contact faith@pcrest.com