ERIC Number: ED599762
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2019
Pages: 31
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-
EISSN: N/A
A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Modularized, Computer-Assisted, Self-Paced Approach to Developmental Math
Weiss, Michael J.; Headlam, Camielle
Grantee Submission, Journal of Research on Educational Effectiveness v12 n3 p484-513 2019
Community colleges are a large sector of postsecondary education. In 2016-2017, the United States had nearly 1,000 public 2-year postsecondary institutions (community colleges), serving almost nine million students, representing 39% of all undergraduates. The majority of entering community college students require developmental (or remedial) math. Success rates in the developmental math course sequence and college more broadly are discouragingly low. Policymakers, practitioners, and researchers alike are eagerly searching for reforms to improve success rates, but there is a dearth of causal evidence on the effectiveness of most proposed reforms. We sought to answer the following question: what effect does a modularized, computer-assisted, self-paced approach to developmental math (compared with a more "traditional" direct-instruction course alternative) have on students' likelihood of completing the developmental math course sequence? Findings from a randomized controlled trial (n=1,403) are presented. The program was well implemented; however, we did not find evidence that this approach was superior to the "traditional" math class. Although these results are disappointing, they are important because modularization and self-paced computer-assisted instruction are popular reforms. [This article was published in "Journal of Research on Educational Effectiveness" (EJ1229042).]
Descriptors: Mathematics Instruction, Computer Assisted Instruction, Community Colleges, Two Year College Students, Remedial Instruction, Mathematics Achievement, Low Achievement, Educational Change, Instructional Effectiveness, Comparative Analysis, Teaching Methods, Independent Study, Outcomes of Education, Mathematics Teachers, Teacher Characteristics
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Two Year Colleges
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Institute of Education Sciences (ED)
Authoring Institution: N/A
IES Funded: Yes
Grant or Contract Numbers: R305A130125
What Works Clearinghouse Reviewed: Meets Evidence Standards without Reservations
WWC Study Page: https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/Study/90018