RESEARCH QUESTION

I would like to know if the active study notes that I created in LO 1 will improve the passing rates and learning in MAT0024C Beginning Algebra.  I will implement the MAT0024C Beginning Algebra active study notes with a WebCT6 component into various sections of MAT0024C Beginning Algebra.  This Learning Outcome will involve an Action Research Project (ARP) to determine if the active study notes with WebCT6 component are beneficial to student learning and passing rates in comparison to the features of traditional courses.  I will be examining three areas in my action research project to determine if the active study notes are effective:

1)  A comparison of the results from the factoring questions on the MAT0024C State exam (Questions 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25) with the test courses with the active learning notes and the control courses without the active learning notes.

a)  A comparison of  the Fall 2007 MAT0024C Test Group (Courses with Factoring Active Learning Notes) with the Fall 2007 MAT0024C Control Group (Courses without Factoring Active Learning Notes)

b)  A comparison of two instructors from the Fall 2007 MAT0024C Test Group (Courses with Factoring Active Learning Notes) with the same two instructors from the Fall 2006 MAT0024C Control Group (Courses without Factoring Active Learning Notes)

c)  A comparison of one instructor from the Fall 2007 MAT0024C Test Group (Courses with Factoring Active Learning Notes) with the same instructor from the Fall 2005/2006 MAT0024C Control Group (Courses without Factoring Active Learning Notes)

2) A comparison of the retention of courses using the active study notes with the retention of traditional courses.

a)  A comparison of retention rates of the Fall 2007 MAT0024C Test Group (Courses with Factoring Active Learning Notes) with the Fall 2007 MAT0024C Control Group (Courses without Factoring Active Learning Notes)

3)  An assessment of the satisfaction of using the active notes through a survey of courses using the active study notes.