Planning Project for Changing the Equation for Science and Mathematics Learning

Delaware State University, Dover DE

Investigators

Abstract

The Historically Black Colleges and Universities - Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP) provides support to design, implement, and assess strategies that can lead to comprehensive institutional efforts to increase the number of students receiving undergraduate degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and enhance the quality of their preparation by strengthening STEM education and research at HBCUs. The project at Delaware State University seeks to "change the equation for science and mathematics" by focusing on introductory mathematics and science courses and the critical transition from the freshman to the sophomore year. The project focuses particularly on the College Algebra course, a preparation course for Calculus, since currently 89% of first time, first year students at Delaware State University place into a no-credit, developmental mathematics course. Activities that are part of this project are: a virtual summer bridge program focusing on mathematics for all incoming freshmen declaring a STEM major; study hall for all freshmen STEM majors; and research opportunities for freshmen and sophomore STEM majors. The activities are built on pilot results from previous projects and on intervention models shown to be effective at Delaware State University. The project will be guided by an on-going evaluation and external and internal steering committees.