Team teachers Ann Lindner and JD Mildrew at SMCC provided valuable input to the course foundation. A typical class period involves instructors alternating to introduce various topics. This lasts no more than ten minutes, and then students immediately are assigned a cooperative activity to begin constructing their knowledge of the concept. Frequently a spinner is used to select teams to present results of their work. Papers are placed into the team folders at the end of the period and collected by the teaching assistant of the day.
Students work through six projects over the course of the semester.
Most projects require the use of technology, such as spreadsheets, and they must be formally done, as though presented to an employer. Students select an agency which affords them an opportunity to use their math skills as they serve. Sites include local police stations, schools, and the Boys and Girls Club. Students must document hours and write a reflection on their learning. At the end of the semester students in the MAT 150 learning cohort will take the same common final as all other college algebra students.