College algebra is increasingly being studied, both as a course that prevents students from graduating from college and a course that is highly suited to some fields but not needed for all fields. Studies show that college algebra holds a special status as a course that frequently is the one course that prevents a student’s graduation. Heidi Loshbaugh, Dean of Math and Science at the Community College of Denver, is passionate about finding alternative math pathways to graduation.
What barriers have you noticed in learning math or your child’s curriculum?
A variety of math skills makes for an easier college experience.
Loshbaugh explains that while STEM fields need college algebra, there are a variety of majors that would actually benefit from a different type of math learning. Liberal arts majors might select a course in basic finance to promote life skills. Students in a variety of social science disciplines need statistics. In fact, in the data driven society we live in, a college educated person arguably needs education in statistics more than in college algebra, which is arguably a very specialized course.
Math should not serve as a barrier; math should serve as a tool,” Loshbaugh said. “Folks who go into STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) probably will frequently need college algebra, although that’s not true for everyone. It is true for some healthcare fields and it is for engineering fields, but for many other areas, algebra is not a course that individuals really need.
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
Key takeaways
- College algebra keeps many from attempting higher education.
- Attempts are being made to create a math program that students retain and professors teach that is less restrictive.
- Alignment to a student’s degree is a factor as to how much math should be required for a degree.
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