LSU Eunice student completes developmental math course in record time

A typical course in college usually takes eight to 15 weeks to complete. Not anymore with LSU Eunice’s new modular mathematics program. Megan Aymond, a second semester student at LSU Eunice, completed the 40-hour course in just three weeks.
“You can work at your own pace finishing two courses in one semester,” said Aymond about what she liked best about the course. “Everything is on the computer – the videos show you how to do problems step by step. You have an instructor in the (classroom) if you have questions.”
“Ms. Aymond is participating in LSU Eunice’s modular mathematics program,” said Jamie Thibodeaux, the course instructor. “The new method of instruction uses computer-based technology – students watch lectures and complete homework online at their own pace with the use of a pacing guide,” explained Thibodeaux.
Instead of lecturing, the faculty member and tutors act in a support role often times addressing student questions one-on-one prior to them asking for help. “While these classes are online, they are not online classes. Students are expected to show up every day for class and take all quizzes in the lab.”
Path 2 Math Success uses computers and video lectures that are available at any time. An instructor and tutor act in support of the computer lessons, answering questions for students in need. The computer assigns homework based on errors during quizzes. Attendance is required. Students must master one module before advancing to another, and student finishing coursework early may begin the next course or choose not to attend class.
“And, Ms. Aymond is correct. Students can complete two developmental courses in one semester saving both time and money. Students only pay $30 for the second course if they finish the second course prior to the end of the semester,” explained Thibodeaux. She added that “Students may pick up where they left off providing the register for the course the very next semester if they do not finish in one semester.”
The Path 2 Math Success Program is being modeled after similar successful programs in Tennessee and Alabama which have seen substantial increases in student success and shorten the amount of time students are spending in developmental mathematics.
“The whole purpose of the project is to increase student learning and decrease time in developmental education,” according to Dr. Renee Robichaux, LSU Eunice’s Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. “In our fall 2013 pre-algebra course, student completion in the modular mathematics section was 13 percent higher when compared to students in the traditional face-to-face sections,” she said.
Additional information on LSU Eunice’s new mathematics program can be obtained by calling Dr. Paul Fowler at 337-550-1433.