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California State University, Bakersfield. Florence Darlington Technical College. Jackson State Community College. Marion
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................1

Foundations for the Future ..............................................................................................................................2

“Returning learners who use MyFoundationsLab to get a sense of where they are and to tackle any necessary remediation prior to taking placement tests will benefit from more-accurate placement—a savings of both time and money.” —Brian Haley, Dean of Learning Resources Sierra College

A Track Record of Success ..............................................................................................................................4 Ivy Tech Community College System A Private-Sector College in the Southwestern United States The Power of Three ..........................................................................................................................................6 California State University, Bakersfield Florence Darlington Technical College Jackson State Community College Marion Technical College Merced College Northeast State Technical Community College Odessa College Rock Valley College Sussex County Community College Conclusion ........................................................................................................................................................12

By Michelle D. Speckler ©2011 Pearson MyFoundationsLab is a registered trademark of Pearson. Pearson, 501 Boylston Street, Suite 900, Boston, MA 02116

800 428 4466 • www.myfoundationslab.com

INTRODUCTION

Tough economic times have forced millions of Americans into unemployment, making continuing education a critical resource for workers seeking to learn new skills or hone old ones. As enrollments at two- and four-year colleges stretch to meet this demand, administrators are seeking timely and cost-efficient ways to meet the widening range of their students’ academic needs.

Many returning students find that their academic path is neither as fast—nor as easy—as they anticipated. Placement exams indicate that a majority of returning learners need to complete noncredit, remedial reading, writing, and math programs before they can begin traditional college-level courses. Personal circumstances, including work and family responsibilities, often prevent students from completing these 16-week-or-longer remedial courses—a costly delay that can significantly sidetrack obtaining a degree or, worse, prevent enrolling at all. Technology provides a promising answer to that challenge by enabling educators to teach foundational courses in new, more engaging, more interactive, and, ultimately, more successful ways. Research indicates that interactive, online solutions combined with proven best practices wield a consistently positive impact on student learning. Results include increased student pass rates, retention rates, and subsequent success rates— often at reduced costs to both students and institutions.

Specifically designed to move students quickly through remediation, Pearson’s MyFoundationsLab is an online, self-paced, personalized learning program that speaks directly to the needs of today’s adult learners.

Content from MyMathLab, MyReadingLab, and MyWritingLab is seamlessly combined to provide the diagnostic tests, personalized learning paths, learning activities, and assessments that students need to master remedial skills and continue toward their career goals. For those who need more help, the program offers free access to Pearson’s professionally staffed tutor center. Read on to learn more about MyFoundationsLab and its MyLab components. Pages 2–3

Pages 4–5

Pages 6–11

About MyFoundationsLab The pedagogical heart of the program, how it speaks to instructors’ most pressing issues, and the goals of adult learners Case Studies How one college uses the program to serve more students and increase pass rates, and how another college inspired the creation of today’s program

MyLab Thumbnails Quantitative data from schools using the program’s three components—MyMathLab, MyReadingLab, and MyWritingLab—plus testimonials from students and instructors

“Students know that if they went to another school, they’d need to take more than one course in remediation, but with us they need only one.” —General Education Chair A private-sector college in the southwestern United States

“MyFoundationsLab can help ESL students overcome the hurdle of English-language limitations and achieve success faster.” —Brian Haley, Dean of Learning Resources Sierra College

www.myfoundationslab.com • 1

FOUNDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE

MyFoundationsLab is designed to enrich learning, improve outcomes, and prepare students for ongoing success.

MyFoundationsLab is an online, mastery-learning-based resource for assessing and remediating college- and career-readiness skills in reading, writing, and math. This all-in-one system offers a rich and seamless environment of prebuilt and customizable assessments, personalized learning paths, and interactive activities housed on one proven-reliable platform.

Ideal for learners of all levels, learning styles, and ages— including those in continuing education and workforcereadiness programs—MyFoundationsLab engages and motivates learners via videos, step-by-step tutorials, and learning activities with immediate feedback.

At the heart of MyFoundationsLab is a three-step process designed to guide students from assessment to mastery.

Step 1. Path Builder A comprehensive diagnostic tool, the Path Builder is the first step toward obtaining a personalized Learning Path in reading, writing, or math. Step 2. Learning Path Once they’ve completed a Path Builder diagnostic test, students receive a personalized set of content modules called a Learning Path. Each module covers a general concept; within each module is a Skills Check, a shorter diagnostic that defines the

smaller topics a student needs to understand in order to prove mastery for the entire module.

Step 3.Activities The prebuilt learning activities featured in MyFoundationsLab promote confidence and proficiency. Students may perform activities at their own pace and can leave and return to the exact spot they left off. Activities are scored and tracked in a comprehensive Gradebook that allows students to review submitted activities around the clock. Students prove topic and module mastery by taking posttests, which automatically update to both their Learning Path and their Gradebook.

MYFOUNDATIONSLAB answers educators most pressing teaching and learning issues I want a product that mirrors my students’ needs and my teaching philosophy. The Learning Path Manager helps educators tailor Learning Paths to students’ needs.

I want to ensure that everyone at my school or institution is offering the same high-quality course. Course Management facilitates the copying and sharing of courses as well as easy management of course groups.

My students need immediate feedback so they know how to fix their errors. Assessments and exercises offer immediate feedback in the context of learning.

I need to track how each of my students is progressing on a daily basis so I can intervene as needed. The Gradebook automatically tracks each student’s progress.

My classes include students with a wide range of learning styles. Learning Activities include interactive tools that help students learn in ways that work best for them.

My students need help when I’m not available. Pearson Tutor Services offer students free access to highly qualified, professional tutors vie phone, e-mail, and real-time Internet sessions.

I want to select—but not create—the assignments my students are required to work. The Activities/Assessment Manager lets educators select predesigned activities and assessments.

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I want my students to spend their time focused on only those concepts they need to learn. Personalized Learning Paths show students what topics they need to practice.

My students need to develop effective study habits to ensure long-term success. Study Skills for Success teaches students essential skills, including time management.

WHAT’S YOUR GOAL?

The MyFoundationsLab integrated system of reading, writing, and mathematics remediation fits the myriad learning needs of today’s adult students.

 Preparing learners to achieve to the best of their ability

Test Preparation Students can use MyFoundationsLab to assess and improve reading, writing, and math skills before taking a placement test or standardized test. Based on the results of the Path Builder assessment, the program builds personalized Learning Paths that guide students to tutorials, instruction, and practice exercises. Students who follow their personalized Learning Paths increase the likelihood of test success. Tutoring Support Tutors can use MyFoundationsLab to help students master challenging concepts.Tutors or administrators can adjust the content that each student needs to cover and that is addressed in the student’s personalized Learning Path.Via the reporting tools, tutors can also follow each student’s progress and offer assistance as needed. GED Preparation MyFoundationsLab can help students prepare for the reading, writing, and math portions of the GED test by guiding them through personalized Learning Paths that include online tutorials, instruction, and practice exercises.Working at their own pace and with the benefit of instant feedback, students quickly master the objectives for attainment of a general equivalency diploma and are better prepared for continuing education or workplace success.

 Improving student success rates

Accelerated Remediation By using the initial diagnostic and following the Learning Path, students focus on only those skills they don’t know or in which they need additional practice.

Assessment and Remediation Based on an assessment of competencies relevant to a specific academic program, MyFoundationsLab builds each student a personalized Learning Path that contains tutorials, instruction, and practice exercises designed to quickly close knowledge gaps. Robust reporting tools enable instructors to monitor and track student performance. Credit Recovery Whether work is needed in just one or all three content areas, MyFoundationsLab guides returning students through personalized Learning Paths that include tutorials, instruction, and practice exercises to help them master course material and complete their studies.

 Developing student skills to better compete in today’s job market

Certificate Training Program coordinators can use the Learning Path Manager to tailor reading, writing, and math content for a particular certification. Students follow the customized Learning Path to quickly remediate and prepare for their future careers.

Self-Study By using the initial diagnostic and following their Learning Path, students can focus specifically on those skills in which they need additional practice—and at a pace, location, and time that work for them. Workforce Development Through assessments, tutorials, instruction, and practice, MyFoundationsLab helps learners quickly refresh—or learn new—foundational skills, enabling them to more quickly prepare for new jobs or attain their educational goals.

Early Intervention The reporting tools in MyFoundationsLab enable instructors to quickly identify students who are at risk, so they can intervene appropriately. Based on a student’s performance on a diagnostic, the program builds a personalized Learning Path comprising tutorials, instruction, and practice exercises. Students and instructors can see exactly what topics require work, and instructors can monitor students’ progress as students get back on track.

www.myfoundationslab.com • 3

A TRACK RECORD OF SUCCESS

MyFoundationsLab and the solution that was its predecessor have been field-tested by some of the largest two-year, four-year, and private-sector colleges and college systems in the United States. A Private-Sector College in the Southwestern United States

“Changing lives one at a time is our goal and our commitment. Our customized MyFoundationsLab helps us do that.” —General Education Chair A large private-sector college in the southwestern United States

This southwestern U.S. college’s typical student juggles a full load: family, work, and ongoing educational goals. The vast majority of students also require remediation in math, English, or both. Supporting these students on their path to college-level learning means more than just providing content: these students demand an accessible, flexible learning system capable of addressing core foundational skills as well as time constraints and students’ fears and insecurities.

By 2008, the college’s administration knew that confronting its high remediation rates would be the most effective way to ensure overall student success—and would help students save money and valuable time. “We also sought a learning program that would smoothly integrate into our present class structure,” says the dean of academic affairs.“We were interested when we learned that MyFoundationsLab on an eCollege platform would work within our courses. From there, our Pearson representative showed us how much more the program had to offer.” MyFoundationsLab enables faculty to assess and optimally address each student’s learning needs at the level that is most appropriate for that student.Via an integrated set of online assessments in developmental reading, writing, and math, each student is presented with a personalized Learning Path designed to help

4 • www.myfoundationslab.com

improve study skills and develop the specific reading, writing, and math skills the student lacks.

Students are required to use MyFoundationsLab during class time for homework, quizzes, and assessment tests. For extra help, students may access the program at any time that’s convenient for them—either from home or from any other place with an Internet connection. No matter what time of day students choose to use the program, the program’s immediate feedback, its Show Me and Ask the Instructor features, and its pointers to online resources ensure that help is never more than a click away. In addition to curriculum-based content, students are provided with a library of activities on topics designed to help them establish better study skills, including time management, effective note taking, and preparation for exams. By taking advantage of the resources offered by MyFoundationsLab, students who were once psychologically and financially drained by repeatedly failing core courses are experiencing success not only in passing their courses but by earning As and Bs.

According to the college’s student services coordinator and MyFoundationsLab administrator,“Our new solution helps us identify exactly what motivates a specific student, thereby enabling us to tailor our program and services to best help each one. Initially low-scoring students are progressing faster than ever before.”

Ivy Tech Community College System

The inspiration behind the MyFoundationsLab program

Ivy Tech Community College is the nation’s largest statewide community college with single accreditation. More than 120,000 students a year earn transferable credits on the college’s 23 campuses throughout Indiana.

An examination of incoming students’ placement tests showed that many students possess most of the English and math skills required to succeed in college-level courses and need only a refresher—a way to fill in their knowledge gaps without committing to a full-term course. In summer 2006, administration at Ivy Tech met with Pearson representatives and described their vision for bridging their students’ knowledge gaps: a 4- to 12-week self-paced remediation program that would prepare students to pass English and math placement tests, enable them to avoid lengthy remediation courses, and move them directly into college-level courses.Together they devised the Online Accelerated Remediation (OAR) program—the genesis of today’s MyFoundationsLab.

Like its next-generation cousin, the OAR program provides personalized support, an instructional program focused only on what each student needs to learn in order to pass the placement test, and online tutorials tailored to meet each student’s time and educational goals. MyMathLab, MyReadingLab, and MyWritingLab anchor the instructional programs in their respective subject areas with diagnostic tests, personalized study plans, learning activities, and tutorials. Plus, the OAR program uses online learning modules from CourseConnect— Pearson’s library of online courses—to provide guided instruction for topic areas identified as weak spots.

OAR in Action: On-Site Workforce Training To advance its efforts toward workforce training, Ivy Tech’s Central Indiana campus partnered with Indiana University Health to provide test preparation for the health-care system’s College-at-Work students.

Via implementation at on-site labs, the OAR program helps employees of Indiana University Health 1) score into higher levels of remediation or test out of it, and 2) successfully move through remediation—enabling them to advance into nursing and allied health careers.

Data from January 2007 through June 2008 offers solid indication of the program’s success:

91% 70% 43%

of students who retested in reading improved at least one course level. of students who retested in writing improved at least one course level. of students who retested in math improved at least one course level.

Results from December 2008 indicate growth and continued success: enrollment more than doubled, and for each program the percentage of students who improved at least one course level increased.

In addition to increased student gains, the OAR program offers significant cost savings. At $100 per module, the program costs less than a quarter of the $402.60 price tag of a traditional remedial course, its books, and fees.

The OAR program’s innovative application to workforce training has drawn interest from other colleges and has already been adopted at three additional Ivy Tech campuses: Bloomington, Fort Wayne, and Lafayette.

“Both instructors and students alike tell us that technology can positively impact student learning and success rates, particularly for students in developmental programs who typically have many responsibilities outside the classroom.” —Greg Tobin, President of Mathematics Pearson Arts and Sciences

Of special interest to Ivy Tech administration were the reporting features of the MyLab programs. Sufficient data about student performance and behavior in an online environment is required for measurement of the impact of the program—and these instructional technologies provide it.

www.myfoundationslab.com • 5

THE POWER OF THREE

Content drawn from three winning programs enables MyFoundationsLab to tackle all of students’ remediation needs. Schools across the country report gains in a variety of metrics by using MyMathLab, MyReadingLab, and MyWritingLab. California State University, Bakersfield

“I’ve been out of school for more than 20 years. MyMathLab helped me recover most of the knowledge I had lost.” —Student Florence Darlington Technical College

“When I caught on more quickly than others, I didn’t have to wait to advance in the course.” —Student Florence Darlington Technical College

Forty-six percent of all CSUB students are more than 24 years old; nearly half of all CSUB students taking English courses are ESL/Generation 1.5 students; and many of those students also balance work and family responsibilities. Instructors Brooke Hughes and Randi Brummett de Leon first adopted MyWritingLab in fall 2007. Since then, they’ve used the program in developmental writing, mainstream composition, and intensive writing courses—and have documented consistently improved student performance at every level. Results from a 2009/10 student survey show that CSUB students like using MyWritingLab.

84% 78% 81% 85% 84% 90% 89%

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would recommend it to other students. wish other courses used it.

agree that it helped them get better grades.

Florence Darlington Technical College

By using MyMathLab to track data as per the college’s Quality Enhancement Plan mandate, FDTC can statistically prove that required use of the program positively impacts students in the areas of course competency, retention, final exam scores, and subsequent success. Students attend three hours per week in the school’s math lab, attend two hours of lecture per week, and use MyMathLab to watch videos, see samples, work problems, and take tests.The program’s prerequisite feature prevents students from moving ahead to new sections prior to achieving mastery.

For arithmetic, prealgebra, beginning algebra, and intermediate algebra, those courses in which MyMathLab was required experienced the following combined average gains compared with those courses in which MyMathLab was optional.

22% higher

mean score increase from pretest to posttest

agree that it helped them feel more confident in their writing.

25% higher

retention rate

8% higher

final exam scores

agree that it helped improve their writing.

9% higher

subsequent course completion rate

agree that it helped prepare them for other courses.

agree that it was easy to use.

Jackson State Community College

By using MyMathLabPlus in a lab-based redesign model, JSCC addresses developmental math issues, including low success rates and institutional cost; and modularization of content enables the college to accommodate various levels of preparedness and learning styles.

MyMathLabPlus is used for placement, homework, and tests. Required use of the Study Plan by students who fail a test encourages remediation, increases confidence and accountability, and indicates a point at which a tutor or instructor may intervene if necessary. And because the course is self-paced, students who are able can move quickly through the material and exit early; those who need more time can proceed more slowly. Across all metrics, JSCC’s redesign with MyMathLabPlus is a success. • • • •

The percentage of As and Bs more than doubled.

The fail/withdrawal rate decreased by approximately 40 percent. Completion rates increased by 51 percent.

Retention increased by 13.5 percent.

The redesigned format also saves students time and money. Students don’t pay for unnecessary course work and may complete any number of extra modules in one semester. Because the courses are self-paced and online, students can adjust their study schedules to suit lifestyles and life changes and can exert more control over the expenses of travel and child care.

60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Jackson State Community College Pass Rates (A, B, or C) before, during, and after Redesign with MyMathLabPlus (n=3,281)

In addition, an institutional cost saving of more than 20 percent was accomplished by increasing class sizes from 24 to 30 students, thereby reducing the total number of sections by 28 percent, allowing early exit, and utilizing more adjunct faculty and tutors.

Marion Technical College

The majority of students in MTC’s developmental writing courses are adult students and displaced workers returning to school to improve their employment prospects.Very few have experience with technology.

Instructor David Webster uses MyWritingLab for both its pedagogical effectiveness and the technology skills and experience students gain by using it.“MyWritingLab helps students isolate their areas of skills weakness,” Webster says.“They learn precisely what to study and can spend their time and effort most productively. Plus, while students are working to understand grammar principles, they are simultaneously becoming competent users of sophisticated Web 2.0 technology.”

“The redesigned format has positively impacted student attitudes toward math. Students now exhibit more of an I-can-do-this attitude and more willingness to persevere through the most difficult topics. The self-esteem of these students is soaring.” —Corinna Goehring, Associate Professor Jackson State Community College

“MyWritingLab shows our students—many of whom are displaced workers—the importance of computer skills and how the Web affects all aspects of life.” —David Webster, Instructor Marion Technical College

www.myfoundationslab.com • 7

100

80

60

40

20

“Students often return to tell me they’re succeeding in Composition I and that they attribute their success to using MyWritingLab in my course.” —David Webster, Instructor Marion Technical College

0

Marion College English 980 Prep for College Writing I Pre- and Posttest Results using MyWritingLab, 2007–2010 (n=140)

80 70 60 50

“MyWritingLab saved me. Before, I had lots of problems with writing and grammar. Now, not only can I see my errors; I can fix them as well.” —Student Marion Technical College

40 30 20 10 0

Marion College English 990 Prep for College Writing II Preand Posttest Results using MyWritingLab, 2007–2010 (n=492)

Webster reports that MyWritingLab helps his students gain solid confidence in their grammar abilities. “Students who use MyWritingLab understand and retain the skills that serve as a foundation for effective writing and success in future courses.”

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Webster and his colleagues have used MyWritingLab for three years. During that time, they have noted: •

Improved average test scores



Increased subsequent success rates in the first credit-bearing English course



Improved pass rates

Merced College

Most of Merced’s student population is socioeconomically underprivileged and ethnically diverse, comprising a significant number of ESL/Generation 1.5 students. In spring 2009 Instructors Pamela Huntington and Lenice Wilson sought an online resource that would help them better engage their students, better address their students’ individual learning challenges, and encourage their students to become more effective, more confident readers.They chose MyReadingLab, and in summer 2009, Merced College’s English faculty updated its reading studies lab curriculum and delivery methods to a metacognitive approach using the program in a lab setting.

Students take the initial Lexile diagnostic and the pre- and posttests, complete all components of each MyReadingLab module, and are tested for mastery—a score of at least 70 percent on each of two graded tests.

Huntington reports that students are uniformly positive about MyReadingLab.“MyReadingLab’s instantaneous feedback motivates and engages our students,” she says. “The apathy among students that had previously been a big concern for us is now entirely gone.” Many of Merced’s ESL students have language barriers and therefore struggle with reading skills.

“MyReadingLab is ideal for these students because it isolates reading strategies, presents one strategy at a time, offers abundant practice opportunities, and provides constant feedback—all at a pace the student dictates,” says Huntington.“Our ESL students quickly realize significant gains by using MyReadingLab.” In just one semester, adoption of MyReading Lab has resulted in a variety of student gains. • • • •

Retention rates have increased by 36 percent—from 55 percent to 75 percent

Pass rates have increased by 30 percent—from 50 percent to 66 percent Students routinely jump two levels in Lexile scores in one term.

Students placing at the lowest level reading course are experiencing even more dramatic improvement than the midlevel students. 80 70 60

Northeast State Technical Community College

At NSTCC, Prof. Xiaoping Wang engineered a comprehensive course redesign with the goal of improving failure/withdrawal rates of up to 45 percent per semester in the school’s Basic and Developmental Reading course, a course that serves 20 percent of the college’s incoming freshmen each year. Wang adopted MyReadingLab, integrating it progressively over three terms. Students completed the diagnostic pretest and then followed individualized study plans based on the pretest’s results.Their progress was automatically tracked and graded by MyReadingLab, and final results were measured via the diagnostic posttest.

The MyReadingLab-redesigned pilot course produced clear improvements in student learning outcomes. •



50 40 30 20 10 0



33 percent of students in the redesigned Pilot I course scored an A as their final grade versus 14.67 percent of students in the traditional course. 59.76 percent of students in the redesigned course earned a course grade of C or above versus 56 percent of students in the traditional course.

Comparison of student performance from Pilot II and Pilot III reveals a 12.71 to 20.82 pretest-to-posttest score increase.

“[Our Pearson rep] helped us realize our vision of dramatically improving our students’ instructional and lab experiences—and met all of our cost and content needs.” —Pamela Huntington, Instructor Merced College

“The hands-on learning activities and immediate feedback provided by MyReadingLab coupled with the individual assistance that students received helped our students gain mastery of essential reading skills.” —Xiaoping Wang, Professor Northeast State Technical Community College

Merced College Student Pass Rates before and after MyReadingLab Implementation

www.myfoundationslab.com • 9

Odessa College

“I like that MyMathLab gives me extra problems if I need more practice. And when I get a problem wrong, I can try it again.” —Student Odessa College

“I wouldn’t use anything but MyMathLab—period.” —Theresa Evans, Mathematics Instructor Odessa College

“The quality of the class experience has changed. Students come prepared with constructive questions. I’m able to move forward instead of constantly back over old material. Class time is more productive.” —Kathleen Almy, Associate Professor Rock Valley College

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Odessa College has been using MyMathLab in its online Intermediate Algebra courses for six years and in its on-ground Intermediate Algebra courses for three years.Via MyMathLab, students receive immediate feedback and are able to rework problems as many times as they wish—proven strategies for reinforcing the learning process and increasing student success. “Students know immediately when they’ve correctly completed a problem,” says Theresa Evans, mathematics instructor.“If they’ve done it incorrectly, they have the support they need to learn how to do it correctly before repeating the wrong process over and over again. I have students who say that they couldn’t have passed the class without MyMathLab.” Since adoption of the program in spring 2006, the average percentage of students earning an A has more than tripled, jumping from an average of 9 percent to 28 percent, and the ABC rate has skyrocketed from 66 percent to 80 percent— an increase of 21 percent. Grade

Without MyMathLab

With MyMathLab

B

29%

34%

D

13%

A

C F

9%

28% 20%

28% 18% 8%

12%

Odessa College Intermediate Algebra Average Success Rates

After initial implementation of MyMathLab in Odessa’s developmental math sequence, students who advanced to College Algebra math complained that MyMathLab wasn’t being used in College Algebra.Today, those College Algebra courses that employ the program are filled consistently.

Rock Valley College

Required use of MyMathLab was one of several transformations in RVC’s developmental math sequence. Although not the only positive change, Kathleen Almy, associate professor at RVC, considers it a significant contributor to the success of the new, two-part curriculum. By leveraging the MyMathLab item analysis and e-mail features to identify and reach out to at-risk students, RVC both increased its pass rate by nearly 50 percent and cut its withdrawal rate by more than half. “MyMathLab has forever changed the way I teach,” says Almy. “I have a more accurate picture of how individual students are doing and how the class as a whole is faring. Having a better idea of the areas that students are having problems with helps me adjust my lessons to better support them—and helps me be a better teacher.” MyMathLab helps students keep up with assignments who otherwise juggle school and employment and who may miss a class. The online resource means that personal and employment stressors are less likely to result in students’ falling behind in their schoolwork and dropping out.

Almy reports that significantly more students are doing the homework. Because they can redo assignments until they earn 100 percent, students spend more time on task.“The engaging, interactive nature of MyMathLab

Semester

Fall 2009 Beg. Algebra, Part 2

Fall 2009 Beg. Algebra, Part 1

Enrollment 335* 568

(489 first time + 79 repeat)

Fall 2008

537

Fall 2007

589

Course Format

Redesign using consistent MyMathLab homework

Redesign using consistent MyMathLab homework Five-credit format plus inconsistent use of MyMathLab Five-credit format

Percentage of Students Earning an A, B, or C 69.9

Withdrawal/ Fail Rate 18.2%

68.8

22.4%

48.2

40.8%

47.2

42.6%

Rock Valley College Student Success and Withdrawal/Fail Rates before and after Redesign and Required MyMathLab Homework *Students who take the first eight weeks usually also take the second eight weeks.The 335 students enrolled in the second eight-week class of fall 2009 are a subset of the 568, who started out in the first eight-week class of fall 2009.

encourages students to persevere,” she says.“They do better when they see success more often.”

Sussex County Community College

Students who place into English 32 arrive with a wide range of Lexile scores and reading skill abilities and deficits. Some received special education services in high school; some are average students who haven’t acquired essential reading skills; others simply didn’t perform well on the placement exam. Having previously taught with MyWritingLab, Instructor Catherine Scudder Wolf was eager to use MyReadingLab when she was assigned to teach Developmental Reading in fall 2008. Students complete a pretest before the semester begins. From this baseline, they work throughout the semester on MyReadingLab assigned topics until they demonstrate the mastery requirement of at least 80 percent for passing the course.

“MyReadingLab offers relevant, timely, and cohesive reading selections and exercises that progressively improve students’ reading and writing skills,” says Wolf. “It’s easy to navigate and full of stimulating activities for all types of learners. Plus, by isolating specific skills, testing them, and reinforcing them as students continue to work, the technology expertly provides all the motivation that students need to persevere and succeed.”

Wolf finds a direct correlation between the amount of time students dedicate to working with MyReadingLab and their final course grades. She says the program is the major driver of the individual improvement evident in her students, including in the fall 2008 term, which resulted in an unprecedented average score of 81 percent on the final exam.

“I liked working with MyReadingLab because I could work at my own pace and see my results all along the way.” —Student Sussex County Community College

“Students who work the MyReadingLab modules succeed and pass. It’s that simple. MyReadingLab is so effective that using it amounts to a near guarantee of success. Only the students who don’t complete the MyReadingLab assignments risk falling short of their proficiency requirements.” —Catherine Scudder Wolf, Instructor Sussex County Community College

www.myfoundationslab.com • 11

CONCLUSION

The Obama Administration has tasked higher education with both producing an additional 5 million community college degree- or certificate-bearing graduates by 2020 and earning the status of highest college attainment rate in the world by 2025—a feat that by one calculation would require the conferring of 781,000 additional college degrees per year until 2025.

“The more basic skills course requirements students face, the more likely they are to drop out before ever reaching a creditbearing course. Using the MyFoundationsLab diagnostics and the resulting Learning Paths prior to placement tests will equip students to place into higher-level courses, thereby increasing their odds of staying in school and attaining their educational goals.” —Brian Haley, Dean of Learning Resources Sierra College

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To attain those goals, two- and four-year colleges and universities like yours are reaching beyond graduating high school seniors to nontraditional students such as working adults, GED students, and English-language learners who are seeking career retraining, additional job skills, or a degree for the first time.

It’s a fact that a significant percentage of returning adults require remedial classes to brush up on math, reading, and writing skills. For many, progressing through remedial-course sequences that do not fulfill degree requirements represents a delay that drains not only their finances but also their interest in college itself. Pearson’s MyFoundationsLab provides such students with the flexibility, wraparound support, and individualized attention they need in order to move quickly and successfully through remedial-course sequences. •



Proven best practices and content from Pearson’s winning MyMathLab, MyReadingLab, and MyWritingLab programs—including videos, step-by-step tutorials, and learning activities with immediate feedback—keep learners engaged and motivated. A focus on mastery learning ensures that skills are solidly understood and that they build one upon another, thereby reinforcing previous knowledge and increasing students’ confidence in their skills and in themselves.



The self-assessment, the personalized study paths, and the customized teaching resources built into MyFoundationsLab encourage students to develop a sense of accountability for their learning and serve to increase students’ odds of remaining in the course.

Ensuring that your remedial courses are engaging, effective, and accessible for adult learners matters. National statistics indicate that less than 25 percent of community college students who take remedial courses earn degrees within eight years.

Pearson’s MyFoundationsLab provides students with a faster, more direct path to their education goals. It saves time, saves money, and helps students develop more-positive attitudes about math and English before they enter the more challenging college environment.

Pearson’s MyFoundationsLab offers customizable solutions for all kinds of educational needs and all types of students.We believe that with the right elements in play—self-paced learning, individualized assessments, personalized learning paths, interactive activities, ondemand tutoring support, and a proven-reliable platform—instructors can accelerate the learning process and transform the learning experience into personalized instruction that makes a positive difference. Learn more by contacting your Pearson representative today.

Printed on paper derived from FSC-certified forests, recycled material, or other controlled sources using soy-based ink and a water-based protective coating.

MyFoundationsLab 501 Boylston Street, Suite 900, Boston, MA 02116 800 428 4466 • www.myfoundationslab.com