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Does the number of lectures a week make a difference in the learning of concepts and retention of students in college algebra?

Article Excerpt
ABSTRACT

One of the courses that attracts attention at the university level is college algebra. It is perceived by the students to be one of the most difficult courses in college. Some students take the class three or four times before they succeed. Universities are introducing new ways of teaching college algebra hoping to improve student success in this course.

At our university we are facing the same problem. We decided to compare a three day lecture class versus a two day. We believe that because of the nature of the material, more class periods with shorter lectures are more successful than fewer classes with longer lectures. We also believe that three day classes have higher student retention rates than two day classes.

Data was collected over a period of four years and analyzed. Our study found that three day classes have higher success rates on the final exam than two day classes. Both the three day and the two day classes have the same retention rates.

INTRODUCTION

College algebra is one of the most enigmatic courses at the university level. Students enter university and are not prepared for college algebra. We can blame...

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