Paper No. 3
Presentation Time: 9:00 AM-6:30 PM

THE MATH YOU NEED WHEN YOU NEED IT:  ONLINE TUTORIALS TO SUPPORT QUANTITATIVE SKILLS IN INTRODUCTORY GEOSCIENCE CLASSES


HAMS, Jacquelyn, Earth Science, Los Angeles Valley College, 5800 Fulton Avenue, Valley Glen, CA 91401, hamsje@lavc.edu

“The Math You Need When You Need It” (TMYN) tutorial program consists of a series of modules designed to provide students with the quantitative skills needed to complete various mathematical topics in geoscience courses. TMYN tutorial program has been used at Los Angeles Valley College since the summer of 2010 to provide supplemental math instruction to two-year college students in Oceanography and Geology laboratory courses. The most commonly used modules in the geoscience laboratory classes include unit conversions, rearranging equations, slopes, and plotting points. Modules are incorporated into a class session based on the mathematical content of the laboratory exercise to be completed. Maximum student participation is attained by assigning TMYN modules at the beginning of the laboratory class session which allows students to practice the quantitative knowledge they need just before they use it. This presentation will highlight the evolution of TMYN tutorial program at Los Angeles Valley College and present data summarizing the results of module assessments, pre/post surveys, and student grades. Come and learn how this free, easy to use resource can be incorporated into introductory geoscience courses.