精熟数学实验室对本科大学代数课程学生成绩影响的研究

摘要

入门级数学课程的学生成绩长期是美国全国性的关注议题——这类课程不及格率居高不下，并直接影响 STEM 学位的保留率与完成率。佛罗里达国际大学（FIU）于 2012 年对大学代数课程实施了大规模改革，建成并投入使用精熟数学实验室（Mastery Math Lab, MML）。在该实验室中，学生置身于以学生为中心的主动学习数学环境，可按自己的节奏推进习题，并即时获得教师、同伴与学习助理的反馈。本研究通过分析实验室建成前后的学生数据，考察精熟数学实验室对学生学业表现的影响。结果显示，实施之后课程通过率呈显著上升趋势，课程平均成绩亦显著提高，且改善具有持续性。学生感知调查的分析进一步表明，学生认为精熟数学实验室有助于其在大学代数课程中取得成功，并认为本科学习助理（Learning Assistants, LAs）的融入有利于自身学习。

Abstract

Student success in introductory mathematics courses has been a topic of national concern due to the high failure rates associated with these courses and the impact on STEM degree retention and completion. At Florida International University (FIU), College Algebra underwent an extensive reform in 2012 leading to the implementation of the Mastery Math Lab (MML). Within this lab, students engage in a student-centered active-learning mathematics environment where they can work through problems at their own pace while receiving immediate feedback from faculty, peers, and Learning Assistants. This study aims to determine the impact of the Mastery Math Lab on student performance, by analyzing student data (i.e., pre- and post-implementation). Results show a significant upward trend in the percentage of students passing the course after implementation, as well as a significant increase in the average course grade, with consistent improvements. Analysis of student perception survey responses suggest that students perceive Mastery Math Lab as beneficial for their success in College Algebra and the integration of undergraduate Learning Assistants (LAs) to be conducive to their learning.