There are three versions of College Algebra being offered at UCSC this fall:
- Adaptive instruction (Math 2-01, 5 units)
- Collaborative instruction (Math 2-02, 5 units)
- Independent learning (Math 2T, 2 units)
Most students who need College Algebra should take Math 2. Both versions of Math 2 have mandatory meetings for a total of 6 hours, 25 minutes per week.
If you are self-motivated, good at sticking to a plan, and willing to seek assistance when you need it, Math 2T might work for you. If neither offering of Math 2 fits your schedule, then Math 2T will enable you to move forward mathematically this fall. Math 2T shares some key features with Math 2-01 (adaptive instruction), but has much more flexible meeting requirements. Procrastinators beware!
The following table gives a brief side-by-side comparison of the two versions of Math 2:
| Adaptive instruction Math 2-01 | Collaborative instruction Math 2-02 | |
| Instructor | Debra Lewis | Nandini Bhattacharya |
| Course Description | The Adaptive Instruction course has studio sessions 5 days/week. In-studio activities: individual study following a personalized learning path in ALEKS, 1-on-1 mentoring, informal discussions, and group projects. Discussions and projects focus on mathematical language, problem solving, constructing and interpreting functions, and the social context of mathematics. | Collaborative Instruction with lectures 3 days/week; in-class work emphasizes active participation. Students also attend collaborative learning based small sections twice per week. Students participate in problem solving sessions and collaborative study teams to deepen their understanding of the course content supporting their individual learning needs. Secondary section enrollment is mandatory. Sections begin Wed. Sept. 28. |
| Maximum enrollment | 90 | 200 |
| Meeting times | MWF 10:40-11:45 and TuTh 11:4-1:15 | MWF 2:40-3:45 and twice a week sections (times vary) |
| Format | Instruction is provided via multiple complementary channels: nuts and bolts skills development in ALEKS; ‘big picture’ mini-lectures (15-20 minutes); informal group discussions and brainstorming sessions; 1-on-1 coaching by instructor, TAs, and learning assistants. No conventional lectures or sections! The class has a studio course vibe. | A hybrid course based on humaninteraction/highly social/community learning experience with technology support. Students will have the support of a teaching team that includes the instructor, TAs, undergraduate learning assistants and an academic counselor dedicated to the course. |
| Good match for | Students who want to make rapid progress: they can move from College Algebra to Precalculus in ALEKS whenever they’re ready; the projects and discussion topics are relevant to the full skill spectrum. Students who are poor testtakers due to math anxiety, impatience, or difficulty interpreting expectations. | Any student who placed into Math 2 or placed into Math 3 and feels they need to build a stronger foundation in math. Students will participate incollaborative study teams supported by the instructor, teaching assistants and tutors. |
| Grading | Passing criteria:
Grading criteria, for students requesting a letter grade:
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Passing criteria: Grade of C or better. Grading criteria:
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