Darrin Clark helping to redesign developmental math courses at Southeast

Darrin F. Clark, an assistant professor at Southeast Kentucky Community amp; Technical College, is in the process of redesigning developmental math courses using the Pearson MyMathLab online software.

The task began last year when he attended several conferences and workshops in regard to the creation and redesign of courses. He explained that the college is currently providing the MAT 55 pre-algebra class through the pilot phase and creation of MAT 65 and MAT 120 are currently underway, to be completed in time for the onset of the spring 2012 semester.

Clark, in his fifth year at SKCTC, noted that the process began last winter with a teleconference with faculty from Cleveland State Community College concerning course redesign. He then represented Southeast during a three-day meeting held in Orlando. At that event, a panel of educators who had been doing similar work were eager to discuss experiences with redesigning math courses taught at their prospective schools. The panel included educators from community colleges as well as four-year colleges and universities, and they shared data concerning improved student success, ways of lowering costs for students as well as ways to reduce costs for institutions that wish to put into action the redesign model.

In early springtime 2011, Clark, along with others from SKCTC including Jenny Stewart, Travis Cox, Kathy Newman, Erin Wilson and Elana Scopa, took part in a workshop held at Jefferson Community amp; Technical College in Louisville. They were there with others from the Kentucky Community amp; Technical College System and reviewed data from the Webex and Pearson representatives relative to getting the new courses established. Clark acknowledged that the MAT 55 pre-algebra course is being offered this term with work progressing toward bringing additional redesigned developmental mathematics courses on line for the arrival of the spring semester. SKCTC currently offers course sections on the Whitesburg, Harlan and Cumberland campuses with Stewart, Cox and Clark serving as instructors.

Since the fall semester began our work on the course shell for MAT 65, basic algebra, is advancing rapidly and nearing completion, said Clark. By this spring, all courses will be up and running, aiding students in their pursuit of understanding and grasping mathematics while progressing toward their degrees.