Students achieve results way above their usual scores. ALEKS adds flexibility and an individual approach that works especially well with developmental math students. There is no hiding with ALEKS; students know that their hours spent in ALEKS are available for the instructor to see. There is no question that ALEKS helps previously failing students to succeed and at the same time allows stronger students to obtain solid knowledge and even to graduate earlier from the course.
Students had very limited knowledge of basic math, resulting in very low success rates in Algebra courses.
Class is one hour and fifteen minutes long. First, I answer questions about previous material, then explain new material from specific ALEKS topics. I give ALEKS quizzes based on topics covered in class. Students can retake quizzes an unlimited number of times, aiming for a perfect score. The learning objectives are specified so that after the quiz, students can achieve their learning goals. Some complete ALEKS in class, while others continue at home.
Use regular lecture style with homework.
ALEKS is the main tool. Lectures are based on ALEKS topics, followed by a quiz.
Yes, we follow a sequence of ALEKS topics consistent with our curriculum. Students cover items in the Learning Mode so needed items open up in correlation with lectures.
I give ALEKS quizzes based on topics covered in class. Students can retake quizzes an unlimited number of times, aiming for a perfect score.
Homework consists of retaking quizzes at home to gain a perfect score. Also, covering a certain number of topics per week is required.
All assessments are ALEKS assessments that I schedule.
Significantly. Students work on their own, so I am able to use a more individual approach and help each student by answering their questions while they are working in class. I check the students' results online and address issues in class and during office hours.
ALEKS reporting tools are essential in determining exactly what a particular student understands and the progress of the entire class. Depending on this, I either slow down or continue on to the next topic. It is essential to use ALEKS reports to adjust teaching: this is one of the great advantages of ALEKS.
ALEKS makes up 100 percent of the final course grade. Quizzes account for ten percent; four assessments taken chronologically account for five percent, ten percent, 15 percent, and 20 percent; and the final exam accounts for 40 percent.
ALEKS makes up 100 percent of the students' homework responsibilities.
Yes, students have a detailed syllabus with specific topics to be covered by a certain date throughout the course.
I look at the number of topics mastered per week along with ALEKS quizzes and test scores.
ABSOLUTELY. I stress the correlation between hours spent working in ALEKS and success rate. This becomes very obvious to students as I show them the correlation. I use previous statistics on the very first day of class to show students what they need to master the course.
There is no question that ALEKS helps previously failing students to succeed and at the same time allows stronger students to obtain solid knowledge and even to graduate earlier from the course. We are working on a sequence of ALEKS courses where students can move to the next course level as soon as they complete their pie, possibly covering several courses in one semester.
There is no hiding with ALEKS, students know that their hours spent in ALEKS are available for the instructor to see. I stress the correlation between hours spent working in ALEKS and success rate. This becomes very obvious to students as I show them the correlation. Students who are behind, but sincerely want to succeed, benefit most from ALEKS. Many students are afraid to ask the instructor for help, but feel very comfortable working with ALEKS. Several students achieved results way above their usual scores. The most outstanding is the case of a girl who spent 114 hours in ALEKS which resulted in a perfect score in the course.
Those working in ALEKS feel very excited. Those who do not actually work in ALEKS, soon realize that they cannot trick ALEKS and pass the course.
Allow ALEKS to do the main job. Just complement it by stressing the main points and use ALEKS reporting tools to create a more individualized approach.
We are working on a sequence of ALEKS courses where students can move to the next course level as soon as they complete their pie, possibly covering several courses in one semester.
Using quizzes after material is covered makes students listen. Do unlimited number of retakes on quizzes; students want to get 100 percent and will benefit by the practice. Also, adjust lectures to fit ALEKS.