We wanted a program which would address the different levels of preparation and needs of our students. However, we also wanted a feeling of community among students and instructors. Pacing is the first key to the program. Instruction does not follow a syllabus with everyone working on the same thing. Instead, work is divided into modules.
Students complete and finish the modules individually at their own pace.
A pretest allows more advanced students to test out of a module. The second key is alternative means of learning. Students no longer receive traditional lectures. The tutoring and cooperative learning alternative really help build a sense of community in a class based on individual learning. The pilot program proved a success in terms of both student attitudes and performance.