Hurdle or Gate: Students' Lived Experience With College Algebra (Poster 6)

• In Event: Thursday Poster Session 10:50 am
  In Poster Session: Research in Mathematics Education

Abstract

This paper presents results of my dissertation study on the lived learning experience with college algebra of students from diverse backgrounds in a public university in the US. Currently, there are controversial opinions about the general-education mathematics curriculum in higher education, although I have witnessed a gradual, commonly accepted gear-switch in the last several years from “moving away the hurdle” to “widen the gate” by providing more gateway courses or co-requisite models. No matter whether we treat college algebra as a hurdle or a gate, the opinions are result-oriented, focusing on how passing the required general education math curriculum plays a critical role in students’ lives. Differently, this paper focuses more on students’ lived experience while taking the course.

Author

• Jane C. Ji, University of Louisiana at Monroe