The Effectiveness of a Summer Bridge Program in Integrating Math Into Science Instruction

• In Event: Poster Session 2
  In Poster Session: Science Teaching and Learning SIG Poster Session 2

Abstract

Mathematics readiness among first-year college students enrolling in science majors has been identified as an area of need in the literature (e.g. Corbishley & Truxaw, 2010). While Summer Bridge Programs (SBP) may be impactful on students’ academic success and retention overall (Garcia & Paz, 2009), we found few studies on this type of program specific to teaching math in applied scientific contexts. In this paper, we assess an SBP at a public university regarding preparing students for the advanced understanding of mathematical concepts and evaluate students’ perceptions of the programs. Adopting a framework of inquiry-based learning, we present preliminary findings of a congruent parallel study. Results provide evidence for success in reinforcing fundamental math concepts for application in the sciences.

Authors

• Shadisadat Esmaeili, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• Kasey Lee Richardson, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• Stephanie N Lewis, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• Courtney Vengrin, IA

• Jill Sible, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• Alma Robinson

• Michel Pleimling, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• John Simonetti, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• Kaitlyn Sorenson, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• Megan Wawro, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University